bubbles

[P3D John Bercovitz <bercov@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Allan C. writes:
> I was wondering if this is just my viewers
> (paranoia again!) or is it a common red button viewer "problem" (as are
> light leaks with the Realist cameras).  Is this something common to
> other viewers too - Realist green buttons, Reveres, etc.?

Actually, Allan, it's only a problem in your viewers.  You have what we
call the "Inverse Midas Touch".

No, seriously, it's a problem with any cemented doublet from that era.
They're held together with Canada Balsam and the stuff just lets loose
after a while.  I know of only one way to fix it and it's dangerous.
Keeping the lens held together, give it a quick little acetone dip.
The acetone seeps in and reliquifies the Canada Balsam and then leaves
by evaporation.  It's really dangerous because the whole thing may
just fall apart on you.  The right way to do it is to soak it in acetone 
until it comes apart and then re-cement it with a modern cement.  That's
not something to do at home.

John B


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