Leica M3 light leak ?

[Niko]

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Sometimes i get a strange light leak with my M3. I´ve found some discussions where similar leak has been discussed, but none had any solutions for it...

 

It happens only every now and then, on some rolls and on some frames on those rolls.

 

I have checked the curtains in darkness with a flashlight, no findings.

 

Can anyone help ? I hesitate sending it for a repair without further knowledge, as some repairmen i´ve asked about it think it´s a development/handling problem with the film. But i don´t buy that. If that was the problem, how does it always show up in the same area, between the frames.

 

Attached is a sample which shows the worst case. Usually it´s much smaller.

 

Niko

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Edited December 19, 2012 by Niko

[earleygallery]

Hi, there are light traps around the rangefinder/viewfinder area which apparently perish (cloth or rubber) and this looks like other examples I've seen.

 

There's a list of recommended repair specialists on the forum, speak to one near to you.

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[Niko]

earleygallery, it seems you might be right !

 

In a dark room, pointing a flashlight on the rangefinder window i can see light coming in the film chamber. The light i see is right in the corner of the frame, but i guess this still could be the source of the phenomenon. The shuttercurtains still have something to do with it, as it´s always in the same spot between the frames ?

 

Niko

[earleygallery]

Hi again. I don't think the shutter is at fault, the light is obviously getting in from the viewfinder and leaking into the film chamber around one edge of the film gate.

 

You may as well have a full CLA when you send it for repair.

[Stealth3kpl]

For future reference, should someone search for light leaks and find this thread, I'll add mine. It perhaps dispels the idea of it being a processing error.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m7-mp-film-m/281768-light-leak-m2.html#post2385290

 

Pete

Edited April 26, 2013 by Stealth3kpl