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01-05-2014, 03:48 AM   #1
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Replacing mirror dampening foam with felt?

Hey folks…I've searched high and low for an answer to this question: is it alright to replace an SLR's mirror dampening foam with a piece of felt? It seems to me that felt would last a lot longer than foam, and I'd avoid having to keep an eye out for when the foam inevitably turns into tar/gloop/crud/mayhem.

I've read mixed opinions about doing this: some warn that felt fibers might come loose and get into the camera's shutter mechanism, and others say their cameras are a-ok with a felt dampening pad. From what I can tell there aren't a lot of people who have tried felt instead of foam. Have any of you? What are your experiences?

01-05-2014, 04:51 AM   #2
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I wouldn't do this. Felt hasn't the same shock absorbant characteristics as foam. So, will be no advantages, but problems, like those you've mentioned.
01-05-2014, 05:21 AM   #3
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Not to mention that very few felts are lint free, a potential built in dust machine.
01-05-2014, 08:31 AM   #4
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I would vote no, based on all the negatives you have said. Plus felt probably would not dampen near as muh. I would stick to the foam and trust that the manufacturer used a good foam in there that will serve a lifetime.

01-05-2014, 02:12 PM   #5
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Thanks for all the replies!

QuoteOriginally posted by JimmyDranox Quote
I wouldn't do this. Felt hasn't the same shock absorbant characteristics as foam. So, will be no advantages, but problems, like those you've mentioned.
Well, I think the advantage is that I will not need to worry about the felt turning into mush the same way the foam does. Also, I've found that, in other applications, felts can have a nice sound-dampening effect. I imagine this might make the mirror slap a little less of a a schink and more of a thud. I wouldn't know because no one seems to have tried.

QuoteOriginally posted by VisualDarkness Quote
Not to mention that very few felts are lint free, a potential built in dust machine.
I've seen foam hold onto dust and lint too. There are a few times I've had to blow junk out of the foam bumper. I've never had dusty negs because of it, though. Lucky me, I suppose.
01-05-2014, 03:02 PM   #6
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Every day there seemed be a new chunk of black stuff on the focusing screen so I replaced the crumbling foam in my K2000 with a strip of rubber. It's been good for over a year now.
01-05-2014, 04:05 PM   #7
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Get a foam/seal replacement kit from the only and only Jon Goodman!
It will last for another 20 years

01-05-2014, 04:51 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by titrisol Quote
Get a foam/seal replacement kit from the only and only Jon Goodman!

Yes, Jon makes great kits. Even still: I want to know if felt can do the job.
01-05-2014, 07:00 PM   #9
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buy a 4mm foamie for a buck or so at a fabric / craft store. you can do 100 cameras :-)
01-05-2014, 07:29 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Jamey777 Quote
buy a 4mm foamie for a buck or so at a fabric / craft store. you can do 100 cameras :-)

Sure. But could a person use felt?
01-05-2014, 07:59 PM   #11
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Felt will work, but something with more dampening ability will work better.


One of my cameras has no mirror dampener of any kind, it works fine and dandy.
But, I know that it will likely break at some stage in the future, so when I can be bothered I'll add some foam.
01-06-2014, 06:52 AM   #12
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You could of course.... but felt will release tons of lint and overtime will be much more of a pain than a solution

QuoteOriginally posted by keyofnight Quote
Sure. But could a person use felt?
01-06-2014, 12:22 PM   #13
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Considering the low price of a pre-cut custom kit for your camera (mirror bumper + seals at $10 USD from Jon Goodman), I fail to see the purpose of substitution.


Steve
01-06-2014, 12:24 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by keyofnight Quote
Even still: I want to know if felt can do the job.
Short answer...no


Steve
01-08-2014, 03:45 PM   #15
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I've used felt for years, probably done 20 cameras with it and had no problems at all. But your mileage might vary.
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