G-III light seal recommendations?

[Freya]

Hi,

Today I received my first ever rangefinder, a G-III. As expected, having read the various internet sites, it needs its light seals replacing as they're sticky and disintegrating.

Can anyone recommend where in the UK I should get replacements? And is there an online tutorial on how to go about the job?

Thanks.

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum Freya!! 🙂 Search on eBay for seller "interslice". All reports are that his kit is the best and he ships to the UK - arrives in 3-4 days I understand. [I have no connection with interslice.]

 

[Freya]

Thanks Peter, that looks good and not expensive, and he mentions the G-III so I'd hope it'll all fit!

 

[kuvvy]

Freya I had the same problem a short while ago with my Oly 35RC. Got some info from Matt Denton at this site http://homepage.mac.com/mattdenton/photo/cameras/light_seals

I bought the bits I needed from a craft shop and used WD40 (just a little) to clean out the grooves and remove any sticky stuff. Don't try to rush the job and you will find it easy enough. I am useless at DIY but I did manage a good job with my camera.

I still have some of the foam and sticky backed felt left. You can have some of it if you like. I am in the UK myself and would be glad to pop some in the post for you, no charge.
Just let me know.

Paul

 

[Freya]

Paul, that's really very kind, but I have just ordered the interslice kit 🙂 I need the instructions and the free tool! If all rangefinder users are this helpful, I think I'm going to enjoy working with my new toy... now to find a 48mm lens cap...

 

[peter_n]

B&H Photo in New York sell extremely well made metal screw-in lens caps. I have a 39mm one for one of my Leica lenses. With the exchange rate as it is this may be your best bet! 🙂

General Brand 48mm Screw-In Metal Lens Cap

 

[Freya]

Thanks - I've only seen snap on caps before... do you find screw-in ones as quick to use?

 

[peter_n]

No they're not as quick to use but if you have a lens that regularly gets a bashing there is no comparison in the protection offered.

If you need a snap-on/off cap there are lots for sale - both plastic & metal. 🙂

 

[Huck Finn]

I got a soft plastic generic black, push-on lens cap fom B&H for $5 for my Canonet. It matches the black shutter speed collar toward the front of the lens, making it look like it was made for the camera.

 

[aizan]

i whittled down the bamboo tool whilst sealing two cameras. good thing i only had two to reseal, cuz i didn't have any thick bamboo skewers on hand.

 

[jpmccormac]

Micro-Tools has all sorts of foam repair kits, etc. Search the site from the home here:
http://www.micro-tools.com/

 

[g0tr00t]

Paul, I did the same thing. Craft store and WD40. I have done 3 cameras so far and (knock on wood) no leaks at all! 😀

 

[Russ]

Paul, that's really very kind, but I have just ordered the interslice kit 🙂 I need the instructions and the free tool! If all rangefinder users are this helpful, I think I'm going to enjoy working with my new toy... now to find a 48mm lens cap...

Freya

Did you tell Jon Goodman (Interslice) that you have the GIII QL-17? If so, he will send you directions for that particular camera (free) His light seal kits are great. And there is enough to do many cameras.

Also, forget the 48mm lens cap. Get one of the metal Vivitar screw on lens shades, and just use any generic 52mm plastic lens cap. A perfect fit. That's what I've done to most of my rangefinders. Great flare protecion, more accurate meter readings and it looks cooler.

And, use the "Wein" brand, zinc-air batteries. They are the exact 1.35v, exact fit, and last fairly long.

Russ

 

[Freya]

Yep, Jon emailed me the PDF instructions, which look pretty clear, and I'd already ordered that battery from the Small Battery Company in London 🙂

Thanks for the shade tip - I'll have a look for one.

F.