Bessa rubber expanding/peeling

[ethics_gradient]

When I got my secondhand R3a, I noticed the corners of the rubber coverings were coming up on the front. I didn't think too much of it, figured I could re-glue it later with some contact cement. When I went to push it back in to its spot, I found I couldn't get it to fit. It seems like it's expanded by a couple of mm, making it impossible to get a snug fit. Recently, the back grip came completely unglued, making it a much more pressing concern. Is there anything I could do to the original rubber to shrink it back down to size, or am I going to have to buy new pieces? I'd rather not replace it with anything from Cameraleather, I prefer the original "nose" on the back.

 

[wblati]

a photo would help.

 

[kermaier]

The Epson R-D1 is notorious for this problem, the chassis and RF of which is made by Cosina Voigtlander. Check the R-D1 forum for info.
Ari

 

[ethics_gradient]

a photos would help.

I don't have a macro lens for my DSLR, so I can't really take any shots that would show the problem. We're talking 2-3mm here.

The Epson R-D1 is notorious for this problem, the chassis and RF of which is made by Cosina Voigtlander. Check the R-D1 forum for info.
Ari

Thanks for the tip, I checked and the only obvious thing I saw was people getting new, aftermarket coverings from Cameraleather? I'd really rather not do that, as I prefer the handling of the stock rear grip to not having one, not to mention the chance of spending weeks in limbo waiting on it.

 

[VictorM.]

Maybe careful trimming with an Exacto knife would work. Then reglue.

 

[Particular]

Maybe careful trimming with an Exacto knife would work. Then reglue.

This is what I did on my R-D1. It was tricky to get it right though.

 

[Steve M.]

Duct tape it, then spray paint it. Instant grunge camera.

 

[ethics_gradient]

Maybe careful trimming with an Exacto knife would work. Then reglue.

I've been thinking about that... the back looks like it would be especially difficult because of the "bump". Do you think heating the blade first would be a good idea?

Duct tape it, then spray paint it. Instant grunge camera.

I was considering doing what someone in the RD-1 thread did, just putting down some tape in its place. Would definitely make it a less attractive prospect to potential thieves.

 

[nome_alice]

i had this same problem with my R2A. i took the rubber off completely, cleaned it then trimmed it down to size and glued it back on with selley's liquid nails.

 

[ethics_gradient]

i had this same problem with my R2A. i took the rubber off completely, cleaned it then trimmed it down to size and glued it back on with selley's liquid nails.

Any special tips on the trimming? I was thinking of making a light guide line with a hobby knife with the rubber still on the camera, then removing it and using a metal straightedge to try and keep the blade as straight as possible when making the final cut.