R4 Light Leak Help (Photos Attached)

[Leica-R-Guy]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Dear Friends: In the late 80's (when I was a kid) my father taught me how to use the Leica R4. I use the M-system these days but for last few weeks I have been wanting to make a comeback to film photography. I recently bought a used R4 with Summicron-R 50 mm lens. The lens looks great (I tested on Leica M10 with adapter). However, when I got the negatives developed and scanned, something strange showed up in the photographs. I am attaching a few examples. Can someone with an experienced eye help me figure out what is going on so that I can fix this problem! Your help is appreciated.

 

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

 

 

 

[wildlightphoto]

The back's seals probably need to be replaced, including the foam seal at the film type window.

[masjah]

As a temporary diagnostic/fix, you could maybe try covering the film type window with some black adhesive tape, or even round the edges of the film back. But if one seal is going, they may well all be on the way out. (My R8 leaks a little at the film type window, but only when direct sunlight is shining on the back, usually when on a tripod; I've just taped it over.)

[earleygallery]

The streaks are from light getting in behind the film so yes definitely the door foam seals need replacement.

 

The last one looks like that was done in processing- was it the last or first frame?

Edited February 24, 2018 by earleygallery

[earleygallery]

Just to add you can find foam kits at some dealers and on eBay. It’s a simple job to replace them. Lighter fuel is good for removing old sticky foam off the camera (carefully!).

[TomB_tx]

Most likely the seal around the film window from the shape and location on the film. I've had that on 3 R bodies, and just covered the window with black plastic electrical tape. No more problems.

[fernando_b]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The back's seals probably need to be replaced, including the foam seal at the film type window.

In my R4 there was exactly the same problem: i realized that it was the foam at the film type window: I consumed it, wiping with isopropyl alcool! This can't be done!

Fernando.

[Simon Photo]

Thank you for posting this up as I have the same problems and some others. I was wondering what happened that I might have done but now know it is just age of the camera. I have now ordered new seals for my R4 I got just over a month ago, it was in mint condition and hardly used with some of the seals falling apart. I've ordered new seals off of eBay from a seller in France, I live in Australia so certainly not a place I can nip over to myself in the car. 

This is my first Leica and it is certainly a pleasure to shoot with.