Scratched pressure plate

[ChrisN]

How can I fix this? The pressure plate is producing fine scratches on the negs (not the emulsion side, the other side). The plate feels smooth to the fingertips, but has a good collection of apparent fine scratches, some running with the film and some at 90 degrees (from removal/replacement of the camera back - camera is a Mir/Zorki 4). I guess I can use fine carborundum paper on the plate, finish to a very smooth surface but that will certainly remove the black coating. How do I restore that or is that not essential?

Thanks

Chris

 

[Pherdinand]

hmm, good question. I wonder myself if it matters that the pressure plate is painted black.

 

[ChrisN]

Permanent marker? I didn't know it was that permanent!

Just had a thought - maybe rifle blueing might do the trick. I know you can buy cold blueing solutions nowadays - a lot easier than the traditional blueing method.

 

[Heath]

Permanent marker? I didn't know it was that permanent!

Just had a thought - maybe rifle blueing might do the trick. I know you can buy cold blueing solutions nowadays - a lot easier than the traditional blueing method.

Chris, if you want I can ask a friend of mine who is a gunsmith (and a damn fine one at that) if he can do it for you. It may be cheaper and easier than getting the stuff and doing it yourself. I will be seeing him on Wednesday night if he is at SES trainiing (he is our unit controller). Let me know if you want me to do it.

Heath

 

[ChrisN]

Hi Heath - yep - please ask him for me. How's the pressure plate on your Zorki?

 

[Heath]

Hi Heath - yep - please ask him for me. How's the pressure plate on your Zorki?

No problem, I will ask him when I see him next. I checked his ad in the yellow pages and he does blueing.

The pressure plate on my Zorki seems ok from memory, but I can't check it at the moment as the camera has film in it. When the roll is finished I will give it a look.

Heath

 

[Pherdinand]

Alternatively, you can also mail one of the FSU gurus (oleg, fedka, alex, whatever) to ask him/her if he has a good pressure plate from a crap-camera . I bet they get alot of busted FSU RF's for their components and they might be happy to send you a plate for the postage cost + 2-3 bucks.

 

[crackers]

Scuff the plate once or twice with 400 or 600 grit paper - ignoring the resulting scratches.