[photo-3d] Realist Lenscap Fix

[markaren@xxxxxxxxx]

This is by far the easiest fix ( of the 3 ideas in R&D right now :-))
First....don't expect the cap to function like the origional
design....in fact you'll love it or hate it. ( I love it cause I can
SLAM the cover shut!:-))
Here's all you'll need: 1" or wider black electrical tape, long strips
of peal and stick velcro, powerful " refridgerator "style magnets,
scissors. 
1) Lay the camera on it's back and place the loose lenscap in position.
Stretch the tape across the top of the bakelite ( along the edge where
the bakelite meets the camera) Or, you may wish to loosen the bakelite
screws and pinch the tape between the bakelite and body, although this
is not necessary. 
2) Cut the tape to the width of the lenscap.
3) carefully stretch and scrawl the tape over the hinge and over the top
part of the lenscap. Use a fingernail or small phillips to press the
tape tight
4) this forms a flexible " soft-hinge" which is very secure. Using a
razor knife, trim the tape flush with the cap edge, and around the
raised lens barrels and make sure the edges of the tape are smooth and
sealed tight
5) check the hinge by opening and closing the cap, making sure all slack
is removed.
6) Apply a thin strip of loop velcro ( the soft side...use a white piece
for cosmetics) on the lensplate just above the bakelite. Make sure the
velcro piece is cut flush to the top of the camera.
7) Apply a black piece of hook material ( the harder piece) over the top
of the lenscap above the lens barrels. Make sure both pieces of velcro
run across the entire width of the lenscap!   
8) Now, open the cap and press the velcro together.......move the camera
around. The lenscap will stay up!
9) Now make your closing latch. This is a "gravity" design which will
work very well for most situations. ( My second mod holds the cap closed
much tighter...but I'm not ready to share yet until proven)
Glue the magnets inside the lenscap, and corresponding points on top of
the center bakelite piece. Try trimming 4 triangles that will seat
beside the lens barrels, and match locations on the camera bakelte. This
may require that you build up an area under the magnets so the magnets
join each other for maximum holding power. 
10) or use small velcro tabs in the same manner
Now you can SLAM the cover shut!! Never break the door again. I'm not
sure how long the tape will last but I've been using my Realist for
weeks and the mod works perfectly! Now 95 degree weather may require a "
nip and tuck" but we'll see. Mod #2 involves a rubberband and
spring.......I'll report back. Good luck!
                                                Mark Dottle

 


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