Replacing Felt Light Seals on Plate Cameras?

[leigh_marrin]

Hi, I've got several old German plate cameras, including two in 9x12cm format. One is a Zeiss/Ica "Bee Bee" with a 13.5cm Tessar and the other is an unmarked Welta-looking body which has a 13.5cm Rodenstock Eurynar F4.5. I've got several cut film holders for 9x12cm, and am using Efke PL100 ordered from JandC Photo.

 

While both cameras have light-tight bellows, I'm still getting some film fogging. Last night I put a small flashlight inside the bellows with the bulb towards the back, and found that light is leaking through the felt light seal that sits next to the film holder. (Not much; not all sheets show fogging.)

 

Question: any suggestions on replacing this old, dry section of felt? (Or is it "velvet"?) Any suggestions on modern replacement cloth-types and glue are welcomed.

 

Thanks very much. --Leigh Marrin in Santa Barbara, Calif.

[ernest_purdum]

All the light traps like this i've seen have been velvet. You can get a suitable replacement at a fabric store and they should also be able to provide an appropriate adhesive.

[jnanian]

hi leigh:

 

i've replaced the same light trap on a rb series d with this stuff called "light block". it

is used to block out light from windows. i am not sure what the other name is for it,

but it is kind of velvety on one side, and rubberized on the other.

 

it's cheep & i got mine at ep levines in boston.

 

they ship worldwide.

 

http://www.cameras.com

 

good luck!

 

-john

[leigh_marrin]

Ernest and John, thanks very much for your suggestions. I'll follow up on your leads.

 

--Leigh Marrin