Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi,
My rubber zoom ring became loose and it peeled from lens body. What kind of glue do you sugest to fix the rubber ring to the metal lens body and where can I buy one.
Thanks.

which lens?
On Canon lenses the zoom ring is not glued at all. At least not on the lenses I own.

I have this 'automotive' glue which I've never used on camera equipment but its good. It's basically silicone, you can get it in clear, white or black (which might be useful in case you put too much and it bleeds). It's purpose it to stick rubber back onto the metal body of cars. I've used it to stick the rubber around my sunroof back down. It might be difficult to use on precision instruments, but there must be some other variations of it.

Nikkor 17-55. In this lens, the rubber rings are quite thin and elastic and they have to be glued to lens body.

It's a problem as most silicone glues are acid cure and regular rubber glues are solvent cure which could attack the paint. Most contact cements are applied to both sides and don't allow for repositioning. So you are on your own if something goes wrong. If it was me assuming the rubber hasn't stretched out of shape I would use a very very thin layer of rubber cement on the lens barrel (the type that is used for bicycle tube patches) and give it at least 24 hours to dry.

Some peple told me about "Butapren", a glue based on rubber and some solvents. But "Butapren" is probably only a Polish trade-name of the glue.

So rubber cement is the key word? Could you give some brand name course I don't think they give the glue type info in the tubes? Thanks.

Not really I imagine you have to read the labels. Normally I would choose and order it from an industrial catalogue but because you need such a small amount it would not be practical.

I would test that the solvent doesn't damage the finish by putting a tiny drop and spreading it thin before committing to using the glue. Let it dry for a day and then strip it off. Also be very careful it doesn't get into any small holes or in any moving parts. The trick is a very thin layer as there is lots of surface area for the bond to take place.

I'll try to find something at some stores. Thanks!

You can buy rubber cement at Canadian tire in the sports section or any Bike shop

I didn'nt know. Thanks, dant! And everybody for your answers!

BTW ignore any instruction on sanding or coating both pieces but the bothe surfaces must be free of grease or oil.

Good to know ;- )))

Thanks!

Note that some rubber cement may warp the rubber when it cures.

It's actually the solvent that can soften the rubber thats why the glue should be applied in very thin layer and not on the rubber but on the lens. But having said that if your not careful you could damage the rubber.

The local hardware store should carry a water based rubber cement. They are more common nowadays.