Light leak or internal reflection?

[Matlock]

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On my last couple of films from my Leica M-A I have noticed this on a very few frames (maybe 3 or 4 per film). It is not the lens as it has occurred with both a 28mm and 35mm lens and it seems completely random as I have observed it on one frame but on the next, from an identical position, there is nothing. Any thoughts?

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[pop]

This is most likely dust or lint on the negative. You should have word with your lab.

[Matlock]

13 minutes ago, pop said:

This is most likely dust or lint on the negative. You should have word with your lab.

Two different labs and the marks are in identical positions. Don't think we can blame the labs for that.

[pop]

Sorry, I didn't realize you were talking about the bright part near the lower edge of the frame in the water. Perhaps adding another example which exhibits the problem could be helpful.

[StephenH]

It appears conical to me—as if a light leak from a pin hole above the frame—note that it is on the bottom of the positive but would be at the top of the frame while it was exposed in the camera. It looks very much like what I have experienced with my M5 diagnosed in this forum as a leak from the rangefinder window. In your case, judging from the position, it would be the frame line illumination window.

[Matlock]

18 minutes ago, StephenH said:

It appears conical to me—as if a light leak from a pin hole above the frame—note that it is on the bottom of the positive but would be at the top of the frame while it was exposed in the camera. It looks very much like what I have experienced with my M5 diagnosed in this forum as a leak from the rangefinder window. In your case, judging from the position, it would be the frame line illumination window.

Thanks Stephen, that was my suspicion but as it was not constant throughout the roll I did have doubts. 

[250swb]

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How long between shots does the leak show up? A long gap between shots and the leak has time to show itself on the first shot, but not enough time if you make another exposure right after.

[Matlock]

12 minutes ago, 250swb said:

How long between shots does the leak show up? A long gap between shots and the leak has time to show itself on the first shot, but not enough time if you make another exposure right after.

Good point Steve, however it does not seem consistent. I have found it on two shots taken within seconds of each other and also taken some time apart.

[pop]

Your orientation relative to the sun might matter, or rather the orientation of the camera during and  between shots.

[StephenH]

There does not seem to be any pattern to my M5 issue either.  Sometimes it appears on only one frame per roll.  No matter the camera's orientation, no matter the position of the sun relative to the camera.  The only thing consistent is its location within the frame and its basic shape.  

[250swb]

A longshot, but are the lenses you used  LTM with an adapter?

 

[Matlock]

9 hours ago, 250swb said:

A longshot, but are the lenses you used  LTM with an adapter?

 

No Steve, only M mount.

[earleygallery]

I would guess it's a leak from the viewfinder/rangefinder area.

You could load a new film and then (with the lens cap on) 'shoot' some frames whilst you shine a bright light at the viewfinder from different directions, front and back, also into the camera with lens removed. Make a note of each one and process the film. If the same leak appears you will know which light source has caused it.

 

[jaapv]

Have you checked the black paint inside the camera for scratches?

[Matlock]

1 hour ago, jaapv said:

Have you checked the black paint inside the camera for scratches?

Yes and it is all completely free of scratches or marks.

[Ediz7531]

Hi,

Just following up on this thread. Were you able to get this fixed? My M-A appears to have something similar, only more towards the left (still lower part) of the negative.

 

 

[mujk]

I would suggest a light leak, but it's hard to tell exactly where and if it's on the front or back. I had a leak looking a bit similar in my M6TTL when it was new. It was still under warranty so it went to Solms to be fixed. I understood that they had added a baffle or seal somewhere. My own theory was that light from the small rangefinder window was the reason, because I could see light from it through the open back when the shutter was open.