Here you'll find everything related to light seals for analogue cameras, from suitable materials to replacement instructions. Seals for popular camera models are particularly in demand, as the original foam becomes porous after decades and causes light leaks. All seals are manufactured in Würzburg, and more than 25,000 analogue photographers trust us.
Foam and felt light seals decompose after 20–40 years. The result: light leaks onto the film, sticky residue inside the camera body, and often a jammed back latch. Our replacement sets make the camera light-tight again in just a few minutes.
Universal light seal sets
Analogue 35mm SLR cameras from the 1960s to the 1990s share nearly identical groove widths and depths across manufacturers. One set covers all common models, from Canon, Nikon, Minolta, and Olympus through Pentax and Contax to Leica R, Praktica, Zenit, and Voigtländer.
Will the set fit my camera?
The grooves that hold the seals are standardized across manufacturers in analogue 35mm SLR cameras, whether Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Olympus, Leica R, Praktica, Contax, or Zenit. The widths vary only between 1 and 3 mm. The strips are cut to length and inserted into the groove. The set contains seal strips in all common thicknesses for the back, hinge, and film window. The mirror bumper is also included.
Why universal instead of pre-cut?
Model-specific laser-cut pieces may sound precise, but in practice they have drawbacks: The 1 mm-thin strips for the back edge tear when inserted into the narrow groove. If something goes wrong on the first attempt, the entire kit is used up. Universal strips are sturdier, can be flexibly placed around every curve of the camera back, and provide enough material for 2–3 cameras, not just one.
Compatible camera brands (selection, fits all analogue 35mm SLRs)
- Canon AE-1
- Canon AE-1 Program
- Canon A-1
- Canon F-1
- Canon FTb
- Canon AT-1
- Nikon FM2
- Nikon FE2
- Nikon F3
- Nikon FA
- Nikon FG
- Nikon EM
- Minolta X-700
- Minolta XD-7
- Minolta SRT 101
- Minolta XG-M
- Olympus OM-1
- Olympus OM-2
- Olympus OM-4
- Olympus OM-10
- Pentax K1000
- Pentax ME Super
- Pentax MX
- Pentax Spotmatic
- Yashica FX-3
- Yashica FR-I
- Contax RTS
- Contax 139
- Contax Aria
- Praktica MTL 5
- Praktica BX20
- Konica Autoreflex T3
- Konica FS-1
- Fujica ST605
- Fujica ST801
- Leica R3
- Leica R4
- Leica R7
- Ricoh XR-7
- Ricoh KR-5
- Rollei SL35
- Zenit EM
- Zenit TTL
- Chinon CE-4
- Cosina CT-1
- Mamiya ZE
- Petri FT II
- Miranda Sensorex
- Topcon RE Super
- Vivitar V3800N
- Exakta VX 1000
- Voigtländer VSL 3
Hasselblad light seal kit
The magazines and backs of the Hasselblad V System use narrow light-trap seals. When they disintegrate, medium-format negatives suddenly show streaks along the edge of the image.
When do I need to replace them?
Typical symptoms: sticky residue when opening the magazine, visible light streaks on the film, detached foam seal in the hinge. The kit contains pre-cut strips—stick them on, press them down, and you're done. You don't need any tools.
Compatible models
- Hasselblad 500C
- Hasselblad 500C/M
- Hasselblad 501C
- Hasselblad 503CX
- Hasselblad 503CW
Viewfinder seals
Many cameras have a small window on the back through which you can read the type of film loaded. The seal behind it is a frequently overlooked cause of light leaks.
What is the film-counter window seal?
The film-counter window (also called a “memo holder”) on the back of many cameras has its own foam seal. If it becomes porous, light falls directly onto the last turn of the film cartridge. The result: overexposed streaks on frames 33–36 of the roll. The 2-piece set includes enough for a backup.
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
Complete compatibility list
Our universal light seal set fits all analogue 35mm cameras with a foam seal in the back. Here is the complete list: 517 models from 30 manufacturers.
Is your camera not listed?
If your camera is an analogue 35mm camera with a back, the set will most likely fit. The grooves are standardized across manufacturers. If in doubt, message us. We'll tell you within 24 hours whether it fits.
Why do light seals deteriorate?
Foam disintegrates, without exception
The original seals are made of open-cell polyurethane foam. It was glued into the grooves of the back cover in the 1960s and 1970s. The problem: PU foam is not UV-stable and reacts with air humidity.
- Hydrolysis. Moisture breaks down the polymer chains. The foam disintegrates into a sticky, tar-like mass.
- UV degradation. Daylight accelerates the deterioration. Cameras that stood on a shelf for years are often worse off than those that were used.
- Time factor. After 30–40 years, the foam in virtually every camera is finished, regardless of storage conditions or brand.
- Felt lasts longer, but felt seals too (often found on cameras from the 1980s) lose their elasticity over time and let light through.
The good news: Replacing them takes 15–20 minutes on most cameras. Dissolve the old residue with isopropanol, insert the new strips into the groove, and you’re done.
Not sure which seal fits?
Tell us the name of your camera. We’ll tell you whether our universal set fits or whether you need a specific solution. Free and non-binding within 24 hours.
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