Fotoman 69, problems. Help

[nlubis]

I've just received a Fotoman 69 camera. The lens is a 47mm XL (large format lens), the camera, and 2 Horseman backs.

The odd exposure occurs (now) from both backs.
What do you think is the issue?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

This is a miss fire, and you can see the problem quite clearly.

Other rolls shows are even worst.

Please help, and thank you.
(I wasn't sure where to post this).

 

[GaryLH]

Have u checked for light leaks around the mounting flange area? Including the gasket/washer where the lens is mounted to fotoman cone? The horse shape pattern makes me wonder if something bumped the lens or the lens is not seated properly.

Gary

 

[nlubis]

Gary, that's a brilliant observation. The gasket/washer is a bit loose, and the previous owner hadn't had issues with it, so I think nothing of it.
All my tripod shots (or handheld with cable release seems fine). But the shots I'm showing above are handheld, with my left hand cradling the (loose) lens and my index finger tripping the shutter.
I will fasten it tomorrow and see what happens. I really hope that would do it.
Thank you.

 

[GaryLH]

Gary, that's a brilliant observation. The gasket/washer is a bit loose, and the previous owner hadn't had issues with it, so I think nothing of it.
All my tripod shots (or handheld with cable release seems fine). But the shots I'm showing above are handheld, with my left hand cradling the (loose) lens and my index finger tripping the shutter.
I will fasten it tomorrow and see what happens. I really hope that would do it.
Thank you.

No problem.. Not brilliant.. Just experience and stupidly on my part..... 🙁

Something like that happened to me on a homemade LF using a fotoman focusing helical as the base. I was readjusting it for infinity focus w/ shims and did not notice I created a light leak. My first test shot after I verified infinity focus had that horse shoe pattern.

Anyway I hope this is your problem...

Good luck
Gary

 

[nlubis]

Gary,
Yes that fixed the camera. Yay. I have to confirm tonight by scanning the negatives to see any stray lights, but the negatives seems clean and clear.
I still think that it was brilliant! I was really frustrated with the situation and glad I posted it on the forum.
Now hopefully I can enjoy the camera.

I'd be interested to see your homemade LF. Any links to it? Thanks again.

 

[GaryLH]

Gary,
Yes that fixed the camera. Yay. I have to confirm tonight by scanning the negatives to see any stray lights, but the negatives seems clean and clear.
I still think that it was brilliant! I was really frustrated with the situation and glad I posted it on the forum.
Now hopefully I can enjoy the camera.

I'd be interested to see your homemade LF. Any links to it? Thanks again.

No problem... I missed this last post until today. Have fun w/ it. I have never posted the homemade camera. It is a really ugly duckling I am afraid.. 🙁

Gary

 

[Moto-Uno]

Hey Gary,after seeing my post "It's Alive",I can't imagine anyone being afraid to show off their DIY project!! After I saw a youtube video on a homemade camera,made of Lego blocks,that worked,I was finally convinced to try it myself. It's the ideas that spark the idle imagination,
Regards,Peter

 

[Particular]

I've had a similar looking light leak with a home made lens board and a super angulon. In case anyone wonders why it has that 'horse shoe' shape, it is basically the shadow of the rear element. The SA protrudes deeply into the body, and makes a circular shadow in the center. All the stray light hits the film along the edges.