Fixing D2 body CF door rubber peel problem permanently

My D2H CF door rubber started to peel after a few months' use. I then search the internet and realized that quite a few people had the same problem, some within 2 weeks of getting their cameras. The problem also seem to go back to F5 days.

I then tried to repair this myself instead of sending the camera to Nikon. I remove the rubber gently and cleaned up the residue glue on the CF door and back of the rubber piece. Next I used a rubberised contact cement to glue the two surfaces together. I found this solution lasted me 4 to 5 days before it started to peel at the edges again.

I did a second clean up and this time bought a very thin 3m heavy duty double sided tape and used that. The rubber stuck quite nicely and neatly but it lasted me about 7 to 8 days before the side nearer the door hinge started to peel. I then spoke to Nikon in Singapore and was told that they used either contact cement or double sided tape like what I have done but a thicker version.

I cleaned up a third time, bought 3M Scotch heavy duty double sided tape and this time the tape was very tacky but much thicker. The rubber stuck very strongly but due to the thickness of the tape, it bulged more. I was quite pleased with the results until the peeling started at about 14 to 15 days. I removed the rubber and repeated with the same tape but making sure the surfaces were cleaned very very thoroughly before applying. It lasted another 16 days.

By now I was about ready to send the camera to Nikon but they have already told me that even if I sent the camera to them, I should not expect a permanent solution as it will peel again down the road. I did not like what I heard so I decided to contact Loctite the glue specialists (now bought over by Henckel). I spoke with their sales engineer and came to a conclusion that I can use one of their cynoacrylate adhesive (super glue) but it will be permanent so if any part of the rubber became brittle and cracked off, the rest will stay on. This means in future I would have to replace the whole CF door if the rubber chipped off. I figured the CF door will not cost all that much anyway so I cleaned up again and used 2 Loctite products to do the job.

It has been almost 2 months now and I use the camera almost daily. There are no signs of peeling. I can happily report that the adhesive and solution provided by Loctite seems to be exceptionally good.

If there is any interest from anyone with similar problem and need help locating the right adhesive and procedure, do get in touch with me.

Henry Goh

 

Here's how I did it...

Firstly, remove the rubber, clean the sides that will be glued together thoroughly. Remove all traces of residual glue as they will leave bumps that show up on the front side later if not done.

After you have cleaned the surfaces well, use the Loctite Primer to wipe down the surfaces, removing traces of oils and grease. I suppose you can also use other degreasers but as I wanted a 1st class job, I bought the recommended primer from them. Loctitie 770 - P/N: 18397. Leave the surfaces to air a while and dry.


Next, the surface adhesive I used is Loctite 401 P/N: 40140. This adhesive dries in 30s and fully cures in 24hours.

Apply to both surfaces, making sure you get even coverage at the edges where the peel normally starts. Press the surfaces together making sure they are aligned properly since once they stick, you have little chance for adjustments. Press them together and hold for 30s. I kept rubbing and pressing the edges more since I wanted the edges never to peel again!

View attachment 8386
After 30s and they have bonded, leave the camera in a ventilated place like your desktop to air. Cynoacrylate glues give off some fumes (although this version is quite odorless) and should be allowed 24hours to air and cure.

I can say I'm totally happy now that I do not have to deal with this nuisance again, at least until I decide to get the D2X, which I'm sure have the same ailment. I hope this help you guys and feel free to share this with other Nikon shooters if you know they have the same problem, with my compliments.

BTW, do this at your own risk. I'm also not in anyway working or associated with Loctite. Good luck.

Henry

 

Hi Simon

A lot of sports photogs use gaffer tape partly also because their cameras get rained on frequently and the tape helps to weatherproof the camera and lenses. The only problem is the camera looks ugly.

Henry