Tools Required: 1.35mm drill bit pin vise (to hold drill bit) or a Dremel tool  works quite well. jeweler's screwdriver with Phillips tip super glue jeweler's tweezers

Skill Level:  3 You will need the ability to accurately drill a small hole in the rear cover of camera. Check for proper fit of the door before making the replacement latch permanent.

It is much easier to work with just the back cover than with the back cover still attached to the camera body.  To remove the rear cover first remove all screws retaining the bottom cover. If you have difficulty doing this, I recommend that you DO NOT attempt the latch replacement.

Replacement Procedure:

1)You will need to remove the remaining piece of the plastic latch on the cover. Usually there will be a small piece still sticking up.  Insert the back edge of the tweezers (a kitchen butter knife will work also) between the remaining piece of latch and the door channel. Lean the tweezers toward the door hinge side of the film back and the remaining piece will just snap off. (if the film back shown below appears different than yours it is because the pressure plate has been removed from ours).

  Figure 1.
        

2) Apply a small amount of super glue to the surface of the remaining plastic latch piece, press  the replacement latch in place and check for proper fit of the door by temporarily  installing the door on the camera body, then closing and opening the door. Note: the purpose of the super glue is to allow you to fit latch in the proper position so the door will close properly. Just gluing the new latch in place will not work. You must retain the latch with the screw provided. Do not apply an excessive amount of glue or you may glue the door to the body casting.

3) When you are satisfied that the door is closing properly, carefully drill a hole using the hole in the latch as a template, into the remaining latch piece on the door. Be careful not to drill too deep or you will drill completely through the cover. Not a problem for leaking light though, only cosmetic.

4) Your new latch will never break off the tip like your old one did.

I have attached additional photos supplied to me by a customer who was very proud of his first camera repair.

   

I noticed that this customer appeared to have used a small amount  PVC adhesive or epoxy to further reinforce the latch and hide the screw head.

          

 

Note: If you do not want to attempt this, click here.