Leica LTM Help, spots on my photos w my new 1949 IIIc & Summitar.

[kknox]

Can some one tell me what caused these spots on my first test roll. I have never had them on any of my Leicas or lens that I have used. Is it because I had no hood, or an uncoated lens from 1948. Some look great, about half the roll had reflection spots from something. Your answers would be of great help. I used 400 Fuji Press film that I have used may times before. Thank's in advance.

 

[Solinar]

That IIIc has numerous holes in the shutter curtains. Place a white business card in the film plane, remove the lens and take a look at the shutter curtains under good light.

 

[kknox]

Hi sorry I do not see any holes, some of the pics were fine, & the spots are in not the same spots on my photos. Some have no spots. Do you think it is still the shutter?

 

[kknox]

If it is the shutter how much do you think it would cost?

 

[eli griggs]

Did you look at both curtains?

Just because some shots don't show 'spots' doesn't mean the holes aren't there. Depending on when you're advancing the film and other factors, you might not see pronounced light leak effects on film on every frame.

Cheers

 

[kknox]

I looked a both. If its the shutter, send it to Dag or Sherry?

 

[colyn]

The spots are pinholes in the curtain.

 

[peterm1]

Yep definitely holes in the shutter curtains. These are rubberised silk fabric and can easily acquire holes either by burning from the sun thru the lens or just by age an deterioration of the rubber covering which becomes brittle and cracks. There are some well known home remedies for small leaks (check these forums where you will find threads - I have posted on the subject before.) But to be honest these look to be of sufficient magnitude to warrant new curtains. The interesting thing is that sometimes these holes are so indistinct that they can be hard to see with the naked eye but they sure have an impact on end results. if you cna locate them you may wish to try fixing them with something like the sort of craft ink made for painting on fabrics. (I forget what its called but as I said there are threads here on the issue.) After all, nothing ventured, ntohing gained.

 

[kknox]

Thank's everyone. I will send it in for a new shutter.

 

[kknox]

I sent the whole camera back to Youxin, he got it on Thursday last week. Did a full CLA & new shutter curtain, CLA the lens all for $140.00. I have it back today, so smooth can't wait to try it out. Can not say enough about his work & emails.