vambo25 Posted September 16, 2007 Share #1 Posted September 16, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hope someone can help. Just returned from a 4 week trip to States and, of the 20 rolls I took, the last 6 or 7 feature a regular pattern in the background (usually only visible on flat sky areas). I used a mixture of films (Reala bought in UK; Kodak Ultra Colour bought in USA). All but one films were taken using my Leica R6.2 (and the problem starts at a specific point in the trip). I also used a Leica C2 point-and-shoot - and this produced the same problem from about the same point on the trip. I originally thought it might be condensation, then perhaps a damaged seal. The fact that it occured in two different cameras suggests that maybe all unexposed films were damaged at some point - but I bought the Kodak films after the problem first started ... and they are spoiled in exactly the same way. Has anyone experienced the same problem? I've run another film through the SLR since returning (one I took on the trip but didn't use) and the fault is still there. I've attached a couple of images and here's a link to my own site - http://www.thody.net/photos/faulty_photos/ - where I've uploaded more examples. Many thanks 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/33573-r62-problem-pattern-appearing-on-all-prints/?do=findComment&comment=354612'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 16, 2007 Posted September 16, 2007 Hi vambo25, Take a look here R6.2 problem - pattern appearing on all prints. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Guest Motivfindender Posted September 16, 2007 Share #2 Posted September 16, 2007 looks like a little bit of added retrograde-light from the viewfinder through the fresnel-plate onto the film, IMHO. the sun is in your back, so this could be possible. If you close always the viewfinder while using the tripod, this should not be the case. If you held your camera for the photos, a closer contact between camera and/or use of an eyecup should help. The vagabounding light does not only provoke artefacts on the film, it alters also the measured data from the lightmetering system_in_camera. Another possible reason might be a faulty development of the film in the lab. Dirk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayerische Posted September 16, 2007 Share #3 Posted September 16, 2007 Airport X-ray? . Edit . Did not see this: "" I've run another film through the SLR since returning (one I took on the trip but didn't use) and the fault is still there."" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reading Posted September 16, 2007 Share #4 Posted September 16, 2007 Looks like xray to me, did you buy the film on your return or has that been through airport scanners too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayerische Posted September 16, 2007 Share #5 Posted September 16, 2007 A-ha! You brought the new film trough the Airport Scammers, oh, I mean Scanners too? Thought you bought new film after the trip. Pretty sure this will be fixed if you get some un-x-rayed film. Simply, two different cameras can't produce the same effects. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayerische Posted September 16, 2007 Share #6 Posted September 16, 2007 BTW I'm getting worried... Never had problems with film trough X-ray in Europe nor Asia. Last time I was in the US was back in -98, did not have any problems back then with film, but is this an increase in strenght? Did you put your film in the hold or carry-on? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Reading Posted September 16, 2007 Share #7 Posted September 16, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Wrong person, I was agreeing with you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dentkimterry Posted September 17, 2007 Share #8 Posted September 17, 2007 It looks a lot like the pattern on the pressure plate of my R6.2. Don't know the significance though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vambo25 Posted September 17, 2007 Author Share #9 Posted September 17, 2007 Thanks for the suggestions so far. Motivfindender: I think this theory is unlikely as I had 13 perfect films and then 7 with this fault (and as far as I'm aware my technique didn't change!). But thank you. Yes, a problem in the lab is another possibility but the fact that it happened again, 2 weeks after I had the first batch processed, makes this seem unlikely. bayerische/Paul Reading: I took the films through as carry-on (the Americans have BIG signs warning against putting film in checked luggage as they go through much higher power scanners). I would have agreed that this was the most likely explanation ... were it not for the fact that the problem only occurs on the last 7 rolls I shot. It would have to have been a huge coincidence for it to only affect a few films and for these to have been consecutive numbers (14 to 20). dentkimterry: yes, it does seem to mirror the dimple pattern on the backplate of the R6.2. And there's a similar pattern on the backplate of the C2. That's why I thought it might be something to do with condensation (caused by getting out of an air-conditioned car into almost 100 F degree heat) or simply the transer of heat onto the back of the film, but the fact that it replicated back here in the UK seems to rule that out. And for two cameras to create what is clearly a fairly unusual effect does seem unlikely. I do however need to correct one point in my original posting: I bought the other batch of film before the problems started, not after, so it does raise the possibility that maybe all undeveloped films were damaged at some point in the trip. So yes, I need to buy a new roll and run that through too. Finally, I've attached another print - from the beginning of a roll - which shows the pattern even more clearly. 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/33573-r62-problem-pattern-appearing-on-all-prints/?do=findComment&comment=355257'>More sharing options...
Guest Motivfindender Posted September 17, 2007 Share #10 Posted September 17, 2007 @vambo25 Motivfindender: I think this theory is unlikely as I had 13 perfect films and then 7 with this fault (and as far as I'm aware my technique didn't change!). But thank you. Yes, a problem in the lab is another possibility but the fact that it happened again, 2 weeks after I had the first batch processed, makes this seem unlikely. I agree absolutely, now I think as you: my theory was clearly wrong. dentkimterry is shurely right - it might be the backplate. but I cannot understand why this phenomenon occurs. Dirk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Johnston Posted September 24, 2007 Share #11 Posted September 24, 2007 any new findings regarding this problem? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted September 25, 2007 Share #12 Posted September 25, 2007 The second image seems to carry two sets of superimposed "backing plate" spots. Heat or moisture on the backing plate and getting a second dose upon transportation or rewind? Cleaning thinners when you last cleaned the plate maybe leave a taint or reacts with developing? What about hte backing plate paint itself? If the camera is very hot nothing would be reacting with the film? I know the mirror box paint and the body paint on hte R6.2 is pretty sus. The minoltas didnt seem to have the problems. This is a beauty you have to let us know what caused it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 25, 2007 Share #13 Posted September 25, 2007 Were all films processed by the same lab? The regular pattern is interesting but I can't see how the pattern from a pressure plate would imprint itself on the film like that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted September 25, 2007 Share #14 Posted September 25, 2007 Its a head scratcher. I am going to have yellow dots in my dreams. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rnocke Posted September 25, 2007 Share #15 Posted September 25, 2007 Hi, due to the amazing regularity and eveness of the pattern I would also include the possibility of quality defects of the film itself into me considerations. This can clearly be sorted out by buying a different film fresh from a different lot / dealer and see if the prob re-occurs. Good luck! Conrad Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
zapp Posted September 26, 2007 Share #16 Posted September 26, 2007 It would be simple to figure out if the camera is the problem. Buy new film and check out the results in your camera. With the current film: use the same film in a different camera as well - mid-roll rewind. If both cameras show the same pattern, it is most likely the film. If it is the film, ask the manufacturer for help. If it is the camera, ask Leica. They should make more educated guesses than we can. X-ray is a good option. Maybe your film was mailordered at some point of time, ... And by the way, why is Leica not in the dictionary of the spell checker for this forum! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted September 27, 2007 Share #17 Posted September 27, 2007 Thanks Zapp. Not sure if the old forum had a spell checker and I have always just been grumbling getting out the dictionary and getting on with it....then noticing another mistake, and another..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted September 27, 2007 Share #18 Posted September 27, 2007 And by the way, why is Leica not in the dictionary of the spell checker for this forum! The spell checker will be a function of your browser (or Operating System, if you use a Mac), not the forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted September 27, 2007 Share #19 Posted September 27, 2007 Yea thats what I found. Stil itz pragras. Nice feature on some forums is a required preview with default spellcheck before posting. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vambo25 Posted September 28, 2007 Author Share #20 Posted September 28, 2007 Sorry for not responding to - and thanking you for - your posts and suggestions. I've been away for a few day but am now running a 'clean' film through this camera and one of the leftover-from-the-trip films through another camera - and will report back as soon as I have results. Just to clarify, I got identical results on two different makes/batches of film so if it is a film issue it's something that damaged all unexposed film at the same time (and nowhere near an airport ... well, maybe within a few miles of a USAF base. You don't think ... do you?) In the meantime, you might perhaps be interested in the feedback I received from Leica themselves: I am sorry for the delay in our reply. Our Quality Control Dept in Germany reports this is clearly not a camera problem. The pattern is different that the pattern of the pressure plate of the R6.2. Also you state this occurred in a point and shoot camera as well. We are sure this is also not consistent with an x-ray effect. We are not able to advise the real cause of this problem. We would suggest making a test with a new batch of film under controlled conditions. It may also be worth having the film manufacturer examine the film. And finally, here's a close-up of one of the worst examples. It really is a mystery and I wonder if we'll ever get a definitive answer. Once again, many thanks for your advice, suggestions and interest! 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! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/33573-r62-problem-pattern-appearing-on-all-prints/?do=findComment&comment=364761'>More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.