How to Block the Red Light on a Camera

Most cameras have a red light.

The red light on a camera helps indicate when the picture is going to be taken when it is in the self-timer mode. The light also helps to illuminate the subjects when it is in night-mode or when the flash is off. You may want to block this red light on some cameras. While you can use any black plastic sheeting, plastic on a folder is generally thick enough to completely block the light. Test to see if it is by taking a picture from behind the plastic and looking to see if you can see the red light on the other side.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tracing paper
• Pencil
• Pen
• Black plastic folder
• Scissors/craft knife
• Cutting board
• Epoxy glue

1. Lay the tracing paper over the red light window.

2. Trace the shape of the red light window onto the tracing paper. Make sure to accurately trace the entire shape of the window so that none of the red light will shine through.

3. Remove the tracing paper and cut out the shape.

4. Trace the shape onto the thin black plastic sheeting with a pencil or pen.

5. Cut out the shape with a pair of sharp scissors or with a craft knife depending on how thick your plastic sheeting is. If you are using a craft knife, cut on top of a cutting board.

6. Fit the plastic shape over the red light window to ensure that it will fit properly without letting any of the light through. Retrace and re-cut another piece if it does not fit.

7. Spread a very thin layer of epoxy glue on the red light window with a toothpick. Be careful not to get glue on other parts of the camera.

8. Immediately place the piece of black plastic over the window and press firmly. Let the epoxy sit for several hours until it has set firmly.

Tips & Warnings

• Tape the red light rather than gluing it if you only want to temporarily block the red light.

References

• Silver Light: The SLR Camera
• Cloudy Nights: Build a Cheap Effective Light Sheild