Light Fault on few pictures

[PeterStachow]

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Hello, I'm new to analog photography and this forum, and I'm already plagued by worries.

This year, I was able to take over an R4 equipment. Since I didn't like the light seals on the shutter cover, I replaced them right away. Now, after my first attempts, I'm seeing a light error on a few images. What's surprising me is the changing position, intensity and random occurrence of the error. Sometimes, one image in a series is affected, or just a single image. Which actually rules out the possibility that light is entering the camera and hitting the negative. Do you know of such an error and have ideas on how I can fix it? Thank you in advance  

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[wagner]

Hi Peter!

Guess, it's the seal of the film window, which needs replacement. Common issue after 40 years....

You should still get them from Leica.

 

Torsten

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TomB_tx]

22 minutes ago, wagner said:

Hi Peter!

Guess, it's the seal of the film window, which needs replacement. Common issue after 40 years....

You should still get them from Leica.

 

Torsten

I just cover the film windows on the back with a fitted piece of black electrical tape.

[jankap]

Are these numbers on the left side? Light is entering somewhere, because the error is outside the frame too.

That it is a random phenomenon is not so very strange, because you handle with the camera sometimes in sunlight and at other times in the dark. Also, in case the camera is not switched on.

 

Edited October 28, 2024 by jankap

[andybarton]

I doubt whether Leica still carry light seals for a 50 year old camera, but they are readily available online, for very little money and they are easy to replace yourself.

Replacing them should definitely be the first step.

[250swb]

I've bought two R bodies this year, an R-E and an R9 and both had exactly the same type of light leak which was coming from the window in the rear door. Since I don't leave the film in the camera long enough to forget what it is I just taped over the window with black electrical tape. It's a common problem with cameras that have a window in the rear door and often one that isn't addressed in replacement light seal kits, and it's an awkward shape to cut accurately if you are into DIY. So my Nikons also have the windows taped over for safety even if the leak hasn't occurred yet, and if you did forget what film was loaded you can always peel it back for a quick peek.

Edited October 29, 2024 by 250swb

[PeterStachow]

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Hi,

Sorry for the late reply. I am only allowed to send one post per day! Now, thank you very much for your support.

I had replaced the seals, apparently I was sloppy. I will try taping it up and run the next test this week in South Tirol / Italy!

🙏

[jankap]

Remember, that the sun is present, also if you have switched off the camera.