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Introduction |
This guide will show you how to replace the degraded light seals in a Canon A-1 camera to restore image clarity and prevent light leaks. Before beginning the guide, make sure to take the batteries out of the camera and power it off.
Common symptoms of erodingeroded light seals include warm -toned splotches of color or rays of light on topone side of, both sides of, or throughout the image. If the light seals erode, light willcan leak into the photoyour film and obscure the images the photographer isyou are trying to capture. The light that enters through the erosions can cause flares, streaks, and fogging toin the image, especially in high -contrast lighting.
These seals also ensure the pressure is maintained to keep the film flat and hold the camera's back door tightly closed. !
If your light seals are sticky near the camera door edges, or the foam is deteriorating to the touch, it is time to replace them. This fix is at a beginner levelsuitable for beginners and takes 2-3 hours to complete. The materials needed include a High Density Foam Light Seal Replacement Kit, (which typically includes plastic forceps and a rocket blowerbamboo toothpick for easy access into those tight crevices), Isopropylisopropyl alcohol 91% or greater IPA, a rocket blower, and Q-Tips. |
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Conclusion |
We're not quite done, yet! We need to check if the light seals have been properly replaced.
After completing all steps detailed above, replace the lens by completing step 3 backwards. To ensure proper placementReinsert the battery.
Open the back of the new light seals,camera, and insert a new roll of film and replace the batteries in the camera (complete step 2 backwards). Shoot two to threethe roll of photos, and develop to see if there are any light leaks still present. Once shooting with the fix, highHigh contrast photos are a good way to test the light seal placement. If there are any remaining light leaks, inspect your foam placement and gently press down each foam strip to maintain full contact in the crevices. Over time, check your light seals during routine cleaning—especially if the camera has been stored in heat or humidity.
If this guide helped you, consider sharing your experience or leaving a comment to help other film photographers in the iFixit community. |
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