Pliobond (Nikon rubber replacement)

[shadowlands]

OK, the rubber on the back of my D90 was turning white last year, then it finally started peeling away.
I’m past my warranty so I simply ordered a replacement. I cleaned off the old glue/tape and stuck the new one on (with its double sided tape).
Looked great! I was a happy camper but now, it’s already peeling away again.
The rubber adjustment button on my SB-600 also was coming off. And last but not least, the rubber on my battery grip, also coming off.
Goodness Nikon!!!
Anyway, I trimmed my battery grip rubber, cleaned it up and slapped it back on last night with PLIOBOND.
Did the same with the rubber on the back of the D90. I did well, not that messy.
It dried last night and I’m leaving it alone today/tonight as well.
Wish me luck!!!

[zemlin]

I used Pliobond after a DIY repair on my D200 and it's been fine.

[shadowlands]

Originally Posted by zemlin

I used Pliobond after a DIY repair on my D200 and it's been fine.

Awesome to hear!!! Thanks!!!
Before I did all this, I did dab a little super glue on the body before.
I KNOW, I KNOW!!!
Luckily, I didn't use a ton of it. I managed to get it off with nail polish remover and a knive...
Now I just hope this PLIOBOND keeps the rubber in place for a long while.
I placed a thin layer on the body, let it almost dry.
I placed a thin layer on the rubber, let it almost dry.
Then I placed one more tacky layer on the rubber and placed it on...
Help it down, in place, hard for like 30 minutes...

[JayPoel]

With contact cements you let both sections dry (or almost dry) and then push them together. Adding more glue to make it tacky is unnecessary and could be why you had to hold it so long.

[shadowlands]

Originally Posted by JayPoel

With contact cements you let both sections dry (or almost dry) and then push them together. Adding more glue to make it tacky is unnecessary and could be why you had to hold it so long.

The pliobond instructions said to do it that way.
I held it that long just for insurance... Ha!!!

[km6xz]

One problem is skin chemistry, the degree of oxidation(white coloring) and expansion of the Neoprene is mostly individual. Another person handing the same camera as many hours would not see that occur. The original was applied by a double sided adhesive applied to a thin substrate as you know but sometimes that gets gummy soon after applying. I think that is due to be being hydroscopic, absorbing moisture from hands and the air. I tried an experiment with the D90 when it started happening the second time, used a hair drier on it to keep it soft and drive off moisture before applying it and it has lasted for 3 more years.
One reason it is not glued on is that there is a screw under the grip rubber that needs access for dis-assembly. If one wants to glue it down, putting a tiny hole over the screw would allow shop dis-assembly without tearing up you grip. Gluing it will keep in in place but it will still discolor. for people for whom it has discolored before. One thing I noticed on the D90, the cheap 3rd party grip from Zeikos still looks new, no swelling, no discoloration and it has been on the camera for 75,000 shots. Same with the Meike grip on the D7000. 3rd party grips for the D800 have just appeared on the market for prices ranging between $80 and $106 so in a month they should be down to the same $50-60 as for the very similar D7000 grip.

[Dirk]

thanks for the tip..

can we get a discount if we say your nick ot don't you have shares with them

[shadowlands]

I'm on day two with the pliobond. So far, so good. Ha!! It held, but later today, I'll be using my camera.. only time will tell!!!

[ClintS]

Goodluck with that! Hopefully you will post in the futue letting us know how well it held up.

[shadowlands]

Will do!!! I'll either praise it or complain about it, ha!!!
The good thing is this... it is easy to peel off, like the adhesive that Nikon uses.
So it wont mess up the camera body.