Replacement film window light sealing foam

[ZDP-189]

A common problem with Ricoh compacts is the light foam eventually goes gammy.

Does anyone know if someone sells light seal foam and especially pre-cut kits suitable for Ricoh compacts?

[33dollars]

Don't there is a kit available for Film windows foam. Good idea though.
To keep the GR's & R1's alive.
I could recommend http://www.cam-spares.com/index.htm (England) for there self adhesive foam. http://www.cam-spares.com/page4.htm
Or http://aki-asahi.com/store/ (Japan) bottom of page for foam. Aki-Asahi also have some instruction on how to remove & replace foam.

[ZDP-189]

Ewww, my GR1s foam smeared on the canister and my hand. It's like it's so old it soiled itself.

Thanks; I may try to source some foam and have a steel rule die cutter made.

[33dollars]

Just remember that after cleaning the gunkkie foam off the camera film speed widow.
If you need to use the camera? Fill the gap with cardboard or something dark & soft.
That's what Bear Grylls would do.....
Just looked at both my R1's. & the GR1's They are the same size foam.
Its not much of a piece of foam. The window is only there to tell you it loaded with FILM.
I would recommend removing the foam before it works its way into the parts of the camera that will be damaged.
The link above gives some removal methods,for old cameras. The GR, R1 doors & window use plastic.
BE VERY CAREFUL You don't want to damage the window.
Once removed the camera is useable with some jerry rigging until you source a supply of foam.

Good luck. Because all foam bubbles burst one day.

Mmmmm, wonder if you could use a silicone ? Like soft cookware or a sextoy thingie
Like what they use to water proof digital cameras today... Just a thought..

[ZDP-189]

When I bought my R1E, it was long discontinued, but I had bought it from an authorised dealer so has a year's warranty so Ricoh repaired it when I discovered the seals had gone. So I know they must be replaceable.

I know that you can always duct tape the window, but I have never had a light leak; it just leaves sticky gunk everywhere.

[ZDP-189]

Here are the specs on the light seal foam panel, measured from, or confirmed with the following models:

• GR1S
• GR1V
• GR21
• R1
• R1s
• R1e

http://www.l2i.org/photography/Sub_02/R ... alFoam.pdf

[ZDP-189]

I have had the punch made and am now pleased to offer pre-cut self-adhesive foam patches to Ricoh forum subscribers for free. See my post in the For Sale forum:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6979

[calor_gas_terry]

Got film in both of mine - I'll check when I next reload: I could well be taking you up on your kind offer!

[garry71]

I have had the punch made and am now pleased to offer pre-cut self-adhesive foam patches to Ricoh forum subscribers for free. See my post in the For Sale forum:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6979

How does the window size compare to other makes of cameras? If it's a close match, you could sell your seals on ebay for people to trim the edges down to suit.
You might get back the cost of the punch, and even make a profit from it.

[ZDP-189]

How does the window size compare to other makes of cameras? If it's a close match, you could sell your seals on ebay for people to trim the edges down to suit.
You might get back the cost of the punch, and even make a profit from it.

I don't know. I only measured the Ricoh cameras. The project came about because several of my Ricoh's seals had gone bad and I discovered that they are all the same. I suppose the light window should be of a similar size on other cameras. I have a big collection of compact cameras and I could check, but I don't think there's sufficient demand to support a full time business. If you want to buy the die, I'd be happy to sell it to you at cost + shipping. For now, I'm satisfied with offering these for free for the repair of Ricoh compact cameras.