Leica M2 light leak issue

[Davidhel]

Hi all

It's been a long time since I've posted on here, but I'm hoping that someone might be able to help...

This M2 is relatively new to me, but I'm getting this strange light leak on most (but not all) of the pictures and I'm at a loss as to what could be the cause. I've circled where the issue is on the two frames below (which is the top right corner as the film is in the camera). At first I was thinking it was coming from the hinge on the rear lifting door but it doesn't go to the edge of the frame or impact on the perforations (the camera is also used in a half case). So now I'm thinking it could be coming from the top the camera...

What do you all think?

Any help hugely appreciated : )

Dave

 

[Freakscene]

Looks like light is coming in through the rangefinder.

Could be a missing or no longer light tight RF light trap or plastic plug. The M2 rangefinder changed throughout production.

See: M2 light leak for one of the more hard to diagnose ways that light can get in through the rangefinder.

 

[Davidhel]

That was a huge help - thanks so much for taking the time to respond!!

After reading the other thread too (linked above) I had a go at testing this theory to see if the light leak could be linked to the rangefinder window.

In subdued light, with the lens mounted (and capped), with the back door open, I released the shutter on B and directed a flashlight from my phone directly at the rangefinder window. A small ray of light came through from the rangefinder window to exactly the spot (top right corner as the film is in the camera) shown in the two images above - success!!

Now the source of the light leak has been identified I'm hoping that it can be fixed.

David

 

[Freakscene]

It can definitely be fixed.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

In addition to what Marty said, you could be dealing with a loose strap lug.

 

[Davidhel]

Thanks again all. The lugs look good on the camera, but here's a picture to demonstrate what I did above... me shining the flashlight through the rangefinder window whilst my wife took the picture.

The reason why the fault doesn't show on every picture, has to be because I was taking pictures in quick succession - the longer the gap between taking pictures, the more noticeable the issue (as the stationary film has increased exposure to the light leak)...

 

[Freakscene]

In addition to what Marty said, you could be dealing with a loose strap lug.

It could be, but those leaks usually leave a different shape mark on the film.

 

[Slumgullion]

It reminds me of the dreaded triangle light leak M5's are known to have (mine did...and mostly doesn't anymore)...which, is indeed caused by light sneaking through the rangefinder.

It's probably gauche to link to another forum. But here's a URL that can give you a bit more insight:

M5 light leak. Fix?

Heavy sigh, my M5 has developed a light leak. Was fine last time I used it... Doesn't appear on all images, about 50% of them. This scan is from the entire image to the film edge so you can see it does not go past the film edge, it is completely in the image area. Nothing on the perforations...

www.photrio.com

 

[Freakscene]

It reminds me of the dreaded triangle light leak M5's are known to have (mine did...and mostly doesn't anymore)...which, is indeed caused by light sneaking through the rangefinder.

It's probably gauche to link to another forum. But here's a URL that can give you a bit more insight:

M5 light leak. Fix?

Heavy sigh, my M5 has developed a light leak. Was fine last time I used it... Doesn't appear on all images, about 50% of them. This scan is from the entire image to the film edge so you can see it does not go past the film edge, it is completely in the image area. Nothing on the perforations...

www.photrio.com

Pretty sure quoting information is fine. We’re grown ups at RFF (well, mostly, ha ha).

It is easy to check which window is associated with the leak. That will help track down where the leak is. The M2 doesn’t have the baffles that Gus Lazzari mentions in that thread, so it will be a different to the M5 leaks, but if you do have that leak, the fix is described here: Autorefractor - Leica M5 Light Leak Fix Instructions Somewhere I have my father’s copy of the Leica technical brief that describes that fix. There is a translation of the French version of the brief here: summilux.net • Afficher le sujet - M5 quelques questions, réservées uniquement à la technique. I note that it was produced around the time I was born . . .

Edit: really good article by Alan Starkie here: Leica 'M' Shutter Light Leaks AKA Shutter Opacity on Leitz leaks.