Light seals

Light seals made of foam and felt break down after 20–40 years. The result: light leaks onto the film, sticky residue inside the camera body, and often a jammed back cover latch. Our replacement sets make your camera light-tight again in just a few minutes.

All common SLR cameras from the 1970s to 1990s share nearly identical groove widths and depths. One set covers most models from Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax, and Yashica.

Will this set fit my camera?

The grooves where the seals sit are standardized on most Japanese SLRs. The strips are cut to length and placed into the groove — no gluing needed. The set includes seal strips of different thicknesses for the back, hinge, and film window. The mirror bumper is also included.

Universal Light Seal Set with Mirror Bumper

1–2 Cameras 2–3 Cameras incl. Film Window Seal

from EUR 19.95

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Compatible Camera Brands

Canon A-1
Canon AE-1
Canon F-1
Canon FTb
Nikon FM2
Nikon FE2
Nikon F3
Nikon FA
Nikon FG
Nikon EM
Minolta X-700
Minolta XD-7
Minolta SRT 101
Minolta XG-1
Olympus OM-1
Olympus OM-2
Olympus OM-4
Olympus OM-10
Pentax K1000
Pentax ME
Pentax Spotmatic
Yashica
Contax
Praktica
Konica
Fujifilm
Mamiya

The magazines and backs of the Hasselblad V-System use narrow light trap seals. When these break down, medium format negatives suddenly show streaks at the edges of the image.

When should I replace it?

Typical symptoms: sticky residue when opening the magazine, visible light streaks on the film, detached foam seal on the hinge. The kit includes pre-cut strips — just stick them on, press down, done. No tools needed.

Hasselblad Light Seal Kit for 500C, 500C/M and 503CW

Hasselblad Light Seal Kit for 500C, 500C/M & 503CW

1x Kit Set of 3 (Volume Discount)

from EUR 24.95

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Compatible models

Hasselblad 500C
Hasselblad 500C/M
Hasselblad 501C
Hasselblad 503CX
Hasselblad 503CW

Many cameras have a small view window on the back — through which you can read the loaded film type. The gasket behind it is a frequently overlooked cause of light leaks.

What is the view window gasket?

The film counter view window (also called "Memo Holder") on the back of many cameras has its own foam gasket. If it’s porous, light hits the last coil of the film cartridge directly. The result: overexposed strips on frames 33–36 of the roll. Included in the 2-piece set — enough for a backup.

Light seal view window 2-piece set for Leica R, Contax G, and Ricoh GR

Light seal view window (2-piece set) for Leica R, Contax G & Ricoh GR

EUR 19.95

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Compatible models

Leica R3
Leica R4
Leica R5
Leica R8
Leica R9
Leica M3
Contax G1
Contax G2
Ricoh GR1
Konica Hexar AF
Konica Hexar RF
Minolta TC-1
Olympus

Foam deteriorates — without exception

The original gaskets are made of open-cell polyurethane foam. This was glued into the grooves of the back cover in the 1960s and 70s. The problem: PU foam is not UV-stable and reacts with humidity.

Hydrolysis. Moisture breaks down the polymer chains. The foam turns into a sticky, tar-like mass.
UV degradation. Daylight speeds up the breakdown. Cameras that sat on shelves for years are often worse off than those that were used.
Time factor. After 30–40 years, the foam in almost every camera is worn out — regardless of storage or brand.
Felt lasts longer — but felt gaskets (common on Japanese cameras from the 80s) also lose their elasticity over time and let light through.

Good news: Replacing it takes 15–20 minutes on most cameras. Remove old residue with isopropanol, insert new strips into the groove, done.