M2-R light leak

[Samascha]

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Hi guys, been having problems with my light leakage in the attached pictures. The light leak appears at the upper right corners of the frame, on average of 2-4 exposures per roll. I am so perplexed by this problems and want to seek help and solutions from experienced users from This forum. 
 

1. what are the causes?

2. What are the solutions to this problems? 
 

thank you

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[madNbad]

If it's not consistent, then the leak is most likely coming through the bottom right of the back door. It could be how you are holding the camera or something causing the door not to seal completely. With the shutter set to bulb, take the camera into a darkened room and shine a light towards the back of the camera with the baseplate on and the door closed. If that is where the light is leaking through you should be able to see it. I'm sure there will be more suggestions. Good luck.

Edited May 22, 2021 by madNbad

[250swb]

When thinking about where a light leak may be coming in remember that if you are looking at the finished photograph/print a leak showing in the top right corner will be the lower left corner in the camera because the lens projects the image onto the negative upside down and back to front. 

[adan]

Looks to me like failing light seals in the shutter curtain tracks.

The darker strip of unfogged film right along the edge of the picture is fairly "signature" for a leak around the curtains, because that first mm or so of film is shaded by the thickness of the whole shutter opening.

The cloth shutter curtains in film Leica Ms travel in top and bottom channels that are U shaped. Both to guide and reinforced the flexible cloth curtains, and as a light trap.

To make them even more light-proof, they are lined with black felt (just like the lips of 35mm film canisters) in pre-M6 cameras. (M6 and later cameras use flexible black-plastic baffles in the channels, that "lean" against the shutter /| to seal out light).

The felt lining will eventually wear out, as the shutter curtains slide back and forth over it for years. It is a fairly common item to replace when servicing cameras of that age.

Happened with my M4-2, and (hah!) I just found an diagram I made 17 years ago for another forum that shows the M6 arrangement and explains the "protected" edges.

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

Anyway: needs the light seals replaced.

As interim measures, make really sure to keep a lens cap on the lens at all times (yes, a lens lets in enough light, over time, to leak around the shutter if the seals are worn out) - and be sure to turn the camera away from the sun and into shade when changing lenses (did that with my M4-2 for about 6 months until I got a second body, and could let the M4-2 go into the shop for repair).

[Samascha]

11 hours ago, adan said:

Looks to me like failing light seals in the shutter curtain tracks.

The darker strip of unfogged film right along the edge of the picture is fairly "signature" for a leak around the curtains, because that first mm or so of film is shaded by the thickness of the whole shutter opening.

The cloth shutter curtains in film Leica Ms travel in top and bottom channels that are U shaped. Both to guide and reinforced the flexible cloth curtains, and as a light trap.

To make them even more light-proof, they are lined with black felt (just like the lips of 35mm film canisters) in pre-M6 cameras. (M6 and later cameras use flexible black-plastic baffles in the channels, that "lean" against the shutter /| to seal out light).

The felt lining will eventually wear out, as the shutter curtains slide back and forth over it for years. It is a fairly common item to replace when servicing cameras of that age.

Happened with my M4-2, and (hah!) I just found an diagram I made 17 years ago for another forum that shows the M6 arrangement and explains the "protected" edges.

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!

Anyway: needs the light seals replaced.

As interim measures, make really sure to keep a lens cap on the lens at all times (yes, a lens lets in enough light, over time, to leak around the shutter if the seals are worn out) - and be sure to turn the camera away from the sun and into shade when changing lenses (did that with my M4-2 for about 6 months until I got a second body, and could let the M4-2 go into the shop for repair).

I also think this is the most plausible case as well. 
 
In case i will not be replacing the light seal anytime soon, is there any tips or how can i avoid such leakage phenomenon in the picture, while using the camera? 
 

thank you

[nitroplait]

6 minutes ago, Samascha said:

I also think this is the most plausible case as well. 
 
In case i will not be replacing the light seal anytime soon, is there any tips or how can i avoid such leakage phenomenon in the picture, while using the camera? 
 

thank you

Keep a lens cap on when not shooting. Change lens fast in the shade. Had the same problem with my M2.