UKPete
Newbie
May I draw on the vast knowledge you guys have please? I have recently acquired a Fed 1, three variants of Fed 2, a Fed 4 and a Kiev 4a. None of these seem to have any form of felt light sealing nor evidence of any having ever been in contact with the camera. I see that the grooves where the backs join are substantial so maybe this is all they need. I haven't yet run film through them so I don't know yet what to expect. Should there be anything in place?
Al Kaplan
Veteran
I don't know anything about Feds and other FSU cameras but there was a time when cameras were designed so that they didn't require some sort of black velvet, yarn, or foam to keep out the light. Those grooves should do the trick. The won't come unglued or turn into a sticky mess of black gloop.
UKPete
Newbie
Great! Thanks Al. I am sure you are correct as I don't recall seeing such stuff many years ago now that you have drawn my attention to it. The Feds and the Kiev have very deep grooves for the backs to seat in so I guss that is all that is needed.
wolves3012
Veteran
The only obvious seals I've noted are on the door ends of the Zorki 6 (and, presumably the Zenits that are based on it). There is some black wool/string around the lens mount on the Zorki 3 and 4 models too but that's not apparent unless you remove the bodyshell from the crate. All the others seem to rely on suitable overlaps and black paint. I applaud the lack of seals!