The Day My Contax G2 Started Crying Black Tears

I’ll never forget when photographer David M. rushed into our workshop last summer, clutching his beloved Contax G2. "It’s bleeding!" he groaned. Sure enough, the date display looked like a Rorschach test – inky blobs creeping across the screen.

David’s heartbreak is common. As film cameras age, their LCD screens often leak – but why?

Why Film Camera LCDs Leak (The Science Behind the Mess)

  1. The "Shelf Life" Surprise
    Unlike modern phones, 90s camera LCDs used liquid crystals sandwiched in fragile glass. Over 20+ years:

    • Sealant dries out (especially in Contax G1/G2/TVS1/TVS2)

    • Humidity swells the layers (common in Japanese summers)

  2. Battery Acid = Silent Killer
    David’s crime? Leaving alkaline AAs in his G2 over winter. Leaked electrolyte ate through the LCD’s edge seals.

  3. Pressure Points
    That "perfect fit" camera bag? Tight straps can flex the screen until microcracks form.

Spotting LCD Leaks Early

✔ Stage 1: Small dark spots (like coffee stains)
✔ Stage 2: "Oil slick" rainbows when tilted
✔ Stage 3: Blotchy, unreadable display

Pro Tip: Press gently near the leak – if the blob moves, it’s active leakage.

Can You Save a Leaky Screen?

For DIY Warriors:

  • Isolate the damage: Remove batteries immediately!

  • Clean residue: Dab distilled water (never alcohol) on a microfiber cloth.

For Real Solutions:
We stock OEM-quality LCDs for:

  • Ricoh GR1/GR1s – Original disassembled, second-hand LCD screen. Click to buy

  • Contax G1/G2 – Stress-tested glass layers. Click to buy

  • Contax TVS I/II – Anti-corrosion connectors. Click to buy

Prevent Future Disasters

 Battery Hygiene: Remove them if unused >1 month
 Climate Control: Store cameras under 30°C/86°F
 Screen Protectors: Thin PET films reduce flex

"My GR1s screen was toast – CUFEEL’s replacement saved my favorite street cam."

– Lisa R. (Chicago)

Need a New LCD?
Click to Shop Now for Contax/Ricoh screens – or email us cufeel@outlook.com your camera’s symptoms for a free diagnosis!