What type of foam to use?

[Forest_rain]

I've got some black triple velvet material and I feel like it could be used for light seals, but I ran into a situation where a piece wouldn't fit and the velvet didn't "compress" enough where two pieces were supposed to fit tightly.

So I need to buy some foam, but what type and what thickness is generally applied so I can buy some that I can use later as well?

There is this neoprene material. I'm thinking Neoprene might be better for light seals because it is more dense and compresses greatly. This is 1/8th of an inch and seems light it might be about right:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZNKBNXL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_0Oa8Eb78HS316

There is also this special "Japanese camera foam" sold on B&H, but I'm not sure how good it actually is. Not sure what thickness to get, and it looks
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...y_tool_jht9541_20_camera_light_seal_form.html

Any input?

 

[peterm1]

Years ago when I fixed a problem with an old Canon F1 I found some thin black neoprene and used that. So I can vouch for neoprene as being worth a try.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Where is it going? How deep of a groove? The 1/8" neoprene is going to be very thick for most any typical camera seal.

People use 'Foamie' or some such stuff from art stores. About 1/16 inch thick.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=foamies+...F&sprefix=foamie,tools,178&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_6
TZhe B&H stuff is more typical. Open cell foam that can compress and expand for varying gaps, etc. The problem is, as you know, is it the correct thickness for where you are putting it?

 

[peterm1]

Where is it going? How deep of a groove? The 1/8" neoprene is going to be very thick for most any typical camera seal.

People use 'Foamie' or some such stuff from art stores. About 1/16 inch thick.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=foamies+...F&sprefix=foamie,tools,178&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_4_6
TZhe B&H stuff is more typical. Open cell foam that can compress and expand for varying gaps, etc. The problem is, as you know, is it the correct thickness for where you are putting it?

When I used neoprene I do seem to recall that I had to slice it to get the correct thickness. BTW one source of neoprene (and it may be what I used) are mouse mats. You just need to spend a little time "slicing and dicing" with some kind of sharp knife to cut it to the correct length, breadth and thickness. The foam insulation strips for doors windows etc (the stuff that comes backed with double sided tape for mounting) may also be OK but most of it I have tried (for its original purpose) is very flimsy.

 

[peterm1]

I've got some black triple velvet material and I feel like it could be used for light seals, but I ran into a situation where a piece wouldn't fit and the velvet didn't "compress" enough where two pieces were supposed to fit tightly.

So I need to buy some foam, but what type and what thickness is generally applied so I can buy some that I can use later as well?

There is this neoprene material. I'm thinking Neoprene might be better for light seals because it is more dense and compresses greatly. This is 1/8th of an inch and seems light it might be about right:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZNKBNXL/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_0Oa8Eb78HS316

There is also this special "Japanese camera foam" sold on B&H, but I'm not sure how good it actually is. Not sure what thickness to get, and it looks
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...y_tool_jht9541_20_camera_light_seal_form.html

Any input?

Not sure what's going on but both of these links are giving me a malware warning with Norton.

 

[Austintatious]

I have had great results with the kits sold by Jon Goodman. Let him know what camera you want to re-seal. Usually comes with instructions and a little wooden tool to help do the job.

Jon_Goodman@yahoo.com

 

[Forest_rain]

Ended up buying some of the Japanese foam from B&H. Seems like it was the only one in the right size - about 1.5mm.

Neoprene seems good but too thick.

Anyway I don't even know what problems I'll come across, got some older cameras coming in the mail, wondering about light leaks, but that could be from varying problems, not necessarily needing new light seals.

 

[Pál_K]

For seals around the camera's door, the grooves/tracks, yarn works very well. You can get all diameter sizes. It works very well. Inexpensive and lasts forever. You can get thick sizes for sealing things like RB67 film backs.

Just watch out not to cover the slot where an extension on the top edge of the back door enters to engage the exposure counter. Common on 35mm cameras.

I use foam just for the mirror, to cushion when it raises.

 

[XTOL121]

I would recommend the camera light seal foam from B&H you've referenced. I've used the 3mm thickness to repair an old enlarger's worn out foam at the negative carrier stage. Your best bet is to use a ruler that has millimeter increments to measure existing light seals, and then order the same. Measure twice, cut once, or whatever the old saying is.

*just before I posted I saw you ended up ordering from BH. When you're cutting the foam be sure to use a new razor blade and a straight edge. Be mindful not to pull on the foam or it will stretch and your cut will be uneven. Good luck!

 

[RainDance]

Yarn is way better to use, fits really well and is friction fit. It doesnt break down like foam does.

 

[maigo]

For places that yarn is too thick then use waxed cotton cord.
Commonly used for crafting with beads such as making bracelets.


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[maigo]

More info here:
http://mattsclassiccameras.com/how-to/general-repair-tips/


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[yorksteve]

I have used some Neoprene/EPDM blend foam sheets which I found on Ebay. I bought small sheets in 1mm, 1.5mm, and 2mm thicknesses. And as others have said, for the thin grooves where the edge of the camera back meets the body, cotton yarn, which I found in a wool shop, does the job.