HELP! Light Leaks

[dazedgonebye]

I took a chance on a Moskva 5 from http://www.dvdtechcameras.com.
I've run my first roll through and there are very bad light leaks. The leaks along the bottom of the frame look to be the red window (maybe). You can see where I wound, paused, wound, paused and then the brighter leaks where I stopped to take the picture. There is also a leak on the top right that's pretty bad.
Actually, I can't see any reason why these would be from the red windows.
Now I guess I've got to blow another roll with the windows covered to eliminate that as a problem.

Any other suggestions?

 

[VictorM.]

Test the bellows with a flashlight or, better yet, a small electronic flash. Even better, send it back or get some of the purchase price refunded.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I'll try the flashlight tomorrow.
I've emailed DVDtechnik...we'll see what they have to say.
The cost of shipping the thing back and forth to the Ukraine is pretty stiff.

 

[Kat]

Just curious, how can you tell between light leaks and flare? Are light leaks consistently present in every frame of the roll?

 

[pvdhaar]

Just curious, how can you tell between light leaks and flare? Are light leaks consistently present in every frame of the roll?

That's the trouble, light leaks aren't present always. It depends on circumstances. If for instance, only if the light from the sun hits the camera from a particular angle, it might show up. Or only when the camera has a specific temperature when differences in thermal expansion between back door and body cause tiny leaks.

 

[dazedgonebye]

In my case, I think the repeated pattern of light across the bottom points to the red windows and light leaks. My thinking is that as I wind and pause, the light strikes the film. So, minor leaks along the way with large leaks on the ends where I stopped to take the shot.
I did a quick look at the bellows and I don't see anything. It looks like the red windows are the culprit.
Does that mean I'm just stuck? I can block the windows when I'm shooting, but I need them to advance the film. It's a bit tough to find a shady area in the daytime in Arizona, so winding is going to be a real problem.

 

[dazedgonebye]

Well, DVDTechnik has offered to repair or replace it. Of course, that's another $25 for me to ship it back and a very long wait when you consider the 2 week trip each direction plus repair time.
Dang.

 

[dazedgonebye]

If the camera has a pressure plate with a hole in it for the film numbers, there is a fix.

You can take a piece of Jon Goodman foam, and cut a doughnut out. Then stick this to the back of the pressure plate , around the hole. When the back closes, it will seal out light, but allow you to still see the numbers.
You may have to give it a lick to keep it from sticking as you put it in place.

It is as you describe and that's a great, simple idea. 😎
Except...what's "Jon Goodman" foam?

 

[VictorM.]

I've had similar problems with old folders that don't have red window covers. I covered them with a small piece of black masking tape (use at least two layers). After exposing a frame, I quickly peel back just enough tape to see the next number, while holding the camera in my own shadow. Then stick the tape down again. Electrical tape may work better, now that I think of it.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I've taken greyhoundman up on his generous offer and I'll let everyone know how it turns out.
The camera has a couple of other small problems that I think I can live with, as long as I lick this one.

 

[dazedgonebye]

Still trying

Still trying

Well, I took the Moskva out again and used tape. I covered both windows with aluminum tape. I peeled back the 6x9 window just long enough to advance the film...shading it with my body...and I still have the leak. Not as bad, but still enough to ruin the frame.
The negatives look reasonably good otherwise.

 

[dazedgonebye]

In the end, because of other problems with the camera (double exposure interlock and sticking focus) I decided to send this out to Jurgen (certo6) for a CLA. I could have sent it back to the seller for an exchange, but I figured I was as likely to find the same sorts of problems from the rest of his inventory. At $25 at trip, and with weeks of delay each time, I decided to get it fixed and be done with it.
I want to be out shooting with the dang things and I don't want to wonder if the focus is my fault or an error with the rangefinder.
Why is it so difficult for me to learn this lesson? I should buy good things from good people the first time, instead of trying to save a buck and fighting the problems.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I did run a roll through taking great care with the red windows. The light leaks were reduced with the leaks I associated with the red windows pretty much eliminated.
The other leaks were still there.
I'll do as you suggest, regarding counting the turns, when it gets back with the new bellows.

Edited to add:
As I sent the thing out this morning, the seller offered to pay postage for the return trip to the Ukraine. I wish the camera had been in better shape when I got it, but I have to give DVDtechnik credit for standing behind their product.