Basic Tools and Gear for Repairs

[matty]

As a newbie in collecting cameras and trying to do things on a budget I am quite happy in getting cameras that need a little bit of work on them (Just got a Konica C35 Automatic, it needs new seals but I only paid 3 quid for it.)
What I would like to know is what basic tools, glues and cleaning materials you would recommend for someone starting out.
Many thanks
Matty

[Doug T.]

Hi Matty!

Your Konica is an excellent camera to start out with!
A good, quality set of jewelers screw drivers (not the cheap ones, they'll make you crazy ), some lighter fluid, contact cement, tweezers, Q-tips, some needle nose pliers, some watch makers oil, glass cleaner, tissues.
Now that I think about it, they're mostly things found around the home.
Good lighting, and a place to lay things out where they won't be disturbed is important.
Make sure you take your time, don't rush yourself, and don't get too crazy taking things apart. Take notes and some digital photos of where everything belongs and fits together.
Above all else, enjoy the restoration process and results!

Doug

[lloydy]

I make my own seals from foam that I buy from a big craft chain Hobbycraft, it's 2mm thick in A4 sized sheets called 'Fabfoam' and it's self adhesive. I cut it it into thin - 1mm - strips with a rotary cutter, a craft knife just pulls the foam and it ends up different widths.
They also sell sticky backed felt in the same size sheets which I use for the film door seals and the mirror buffers on some cameras, I have used the foam on some of those as well.
In the modelling department you'll find a lot of useful tools like small screwdivers and pliers, and picks - the pointed hooks similar to the ones dentists use - that are invaluable for poking around in cameras and poking the strips of foam into the tiny grooves for the light seals. I also get my satin black paint from there as well, it's the Tamiya semi gloss black X-18 that when rubbed gently with a finger as it hardens makes a very good repair paint for most cameras. The rubbing seems to flatten any brush marks there might be and 'ages' the paint finish. I've had excellent results with this paint.