Found a trick for fixing light leaks without foam tape

I've been fighting light leaks on my old Pentax K1000 for months. Every roll came back with those orange streaks along the edges. I tried the usual foam replacement kits but the foam is always too thick or too thin. Last week I cut a strip from a black nitrile glove and wedged it into the hinge gap. It's not pretty but the last roll came back completely clean. I just used scissors and a toothpick to push it in place. Has anyone else found weird household items that work for sealing light leaks?

2 comments

2 Comments

sandra_black1mo ago

Glue from a nitrile glove breaking down over time could cause an even bigger mess inside your camera. Heat and humidity will make that latex deteriorate fast, possibly leaving sticky residue on the mirror or shutter. Might be worth checking every few months compared to a proper foam kit.

troy_gibson431mo ago

Totally feel you on that. It's a real bummer when a quick fix turns into a bigger headache down the line.