Viewfinder window glue: better alternative to shellac?

[aizan]

Before I screw up this Olympus Pen S, I just wanted to double check if there was a better option for gluing plastic or glass windows back onto the top plate. Shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol is the traditional adhesive, but is there something new I should try instead? It has to be removable, of course.

Edit: ugh, can a mod correct the typo in the thread title?
Edit: thanks, mods!

 

[peterm1]

Not sure what options to consider but I will think about it more. One issue that is front of mind for me is making sure that whatever is used does not outgas over time. My old Leica MP4 did this with the result that the viewfinder needed regular cleaning of fog that accumulated on it. It was a bore and a pain. Shellac in alcohol would seem to have the advantage that both components are pretty pure and I should have thought unlikely to do so as the alcohol evaporates quickly and cleanly and the residual shellac is stable.

Edit/afterthought. Another possibility if you can find it is the balsam used for cementing lens elements. If it works in that application I imagine it should work in yours. Not sure where to find it though. Check the following for more information.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_balsam

http://jimshomeplanet.com/lensglue.html

https://web.archive.org/web/2007022...om/summers/optical/cements/manual/manual.html

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/lens-cement.147430/

 

[Dante_Stella]

It doesn't need to be removable unless you plan to make a mess of the application. Think about it - if it separates, it is by definition removable. If it doesn't, and the window stays where it is supposed to, why would you care?

A very small amount of cyano glue or epoxy works fine. 3M auto emblem/trim adhesive makes for a good, tough, flexible bond. Though that one does outgas for a couple days.

Balsam is probably not something you want to mess with, since you would need heat or MEK to remove it.

Dante

 

[richardHaw]

I use a type of glue that doesn't fog like super glue (cyanoacrylate). It can be bought in craft stores for cheap in small tubes. I use it to glue the protective glass and plastics on my cameras. 😱😱😱

contact cement is just as good if you can't find something similar to what I use. 🙄

 

[02Pilot]

Simple white glue. Unless you use your cameras in the rain with alarming frequency, it's not going anywhere, it won't outgas, and if you need to remove it it's simple and easy.

 

[richardHaw]

https://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/jewelry-adhesives/ar100-5

something like this. Back at the watch repair shop we use watch crystal glue 😱😱😱

the important thing is that the glue should not set too quick so you will have enough time to move and position your part before the glue sets 🙄

 

[aizan]

I guess it doesn't always have to be removable. It would just be easier to repair in the future if I had to, or if I got it in my head to repaint a camera black. 🙂

3M auto emblem/trim adhesive and Aleene's Glass and Bead adhesive look like good options for permanent bonds. Thanks, Dante and Richard!

White glue? I might try that, Pilot.

 

[Steve M.]

Whichever glue you use, I would make just one recommendation. Carefully cover the glass with masking tape, and trim it so that the only place exposed is where you'll be putting the glue. It won't take long to do this, and it would protect the glass in the event there's a smudge or a drop whilst gluing the piece back in. An ounce of prevention and all that.