New (to me) Leica M2 with light leak

[cfarley137]

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I just got my first film Leica, an M2. I've shot a few test rolls of film, and I'm disappointed to discover a light leak. The spots appear infrequently -- normally on bright sunny days. They always appear between frames. B&W example attached; when they show up in color they are pure white (I don't have the negatives in hand yet, just the lab scans).

I was saddened when I reached out to Youxin Ye who doesn't want to deal with a light leak, as they tend to be difficult/impossible to fix and result in unsatisfied customers.

The (potentially) good news is that I think I've found the source of the leak. If I remove the bottom plate and seal my eye against the film take-up chamber, I can *clearly* see a spot of light appear when I shine a bright flashlight directly onto the shutter release button. I mentioned this to Youxin Ye, to see if he'd want to work on a light leak with a known source, and he was even more discouraging. He indicated that he had never heard of such a light leak at the shutter button, and that furthermore there is no way to seal up that part of the camera.

I guess I'm just reaching out to see if anybody else has experienced a similar issue, and to look for advice on where to have it serviced. Thanks!

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[earleygallery]

I always advise people who are looking to buy an older Leica (for the first one at least) to buy from a dealer who provides a warranty, as so many ebay purchases end up needing expensive repairs.

It can indeed be a case of trial and error to fix a light leak and I've not heard of leaks from the shutter button. Most leaks seem to come from the shutter curtains or the rangefinder/viewfinder assembly - there are seals between there and the film chamber.

It's hard to tell anything from the example above but you could load a new film, keep the lens cap on and shine a bright light at different parts of the camera for different frames as a process of elimination. Also take the lens off and shine the light into the lens throat/shutter curtains.

The good news is that it can be fixed!

[jerzy]

this could be through back door. After loading new film use electrical tape to glue around the door, you will see after developing if problem solved. If this is backdoor light seal needs to be renewed, not a big issue. Never heard about light leak around release.

[tommonego@gmail.com]

Both of my M2s had a back door leak, only showed if I exposed the door to bright sunlight for a period of time. Did not show in normal usage. The leaks were a definite bright slash on the edge of the film, not subtle like yours. Really don't think there would be a light leak around the shutter release. Could be a shutter problem, I would send it for a CLA to Youxin, he is a straight shooter, will give you an accurate assessment of the camera. 

[BradS]

It is difficult to even imagine how the effect shown on film in the OP could be caused by a light leak at the shutter release button. Looks more likely to be a back door light seal issue.   Even so,   I'd return the camera for a refund if possible.

[xiaomavan]

Hello, are you able to fix the leak by any chance? I am having exactly the same leak on my M2. since it white leak, it can't be from the back of the camera. since it's across two frames, the issue is inside the camera instead of the curtain. I was told it might be the strap lug or the small rangefinder window. I am about to shoot a test roll to identify the issue seperately.