Light leak on a Mir Lens Mount.

[Xmas]

If it is the correct colour and the rebates are uniformly exposed it is not coming through the shutter frame.

So the most likely in the take up area. If there are shadows from sprocket holes on the film rebates the light is impinging on the take up spool itself, could be a back seal, as the reverse tape up spool of film will have the emulsion side out. The only non emulsion side may be shielded by the take up spool. Try PVC tape over the back seals.

I've got a MIR but I've quire forgotten the topology.

Noel

 

[Spyderman]

I agree with Noel... it seems to be leaking through the right side - where your right hand normally rests. Try to tape the connection of the removable back to the body. Then for a few frames remove the tape from one side and use flashlight to get some light on the film 🙂 then remove another part of the tape and advance a few frames... Don't forget to make notes about which part was uncovered for which frames...

 

[Xmas]

Alternatively glue some 3 ply black wool into the bottom of the light traps.

Noel

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Thanks guys---I will give it a go!!

Cheers,
Brian.

PS.All is not gloom-- my first roll from a Kiev 4 was faultless,hope to scan a couple of the prints and post tomorrow.🙂

 

[Kim Coxon]

If you find an answer Brian, let me know. I have a superb Mir which was fine but now shows the same fault. I did try taping the body and sealing the back but no joy. I am sure it is a problem with the film on the take up spool though.

Kim

 

[Xmas]

Brian

Ive looked at my Mir (an incomplete collection of parts), I'll have to look at in in dark, later.
I've copied both your photos to take home.
At home I'll mark up a film strip with the leak and fit it to camera, (my Mir wont wind,) to identify the area on spool which is being exposed and so possible sources.
While I'm so doing I'd suggest wool in three areas, because.
The back on mine has slight slack (it would rattle when locked in place), this suggests three areas for wool;
- along the top of the back, in the corner of the light trap, to force the back towards the lens mount, when the back is locked in place
- along the top of the chassis, to enhance the above, i.e. at the bottom of the light trap.
- along the sides of the chassis, at the bottom of the trap to enhance the traps effectiveness, it may be leaking from here.
This would make the back more difficult to fit, it wont be able to slip on as easily so you will have to push it on from rear and slide it the last 3/8 of an inch.
The problem on my MIR is that the latches dont have a tight fit on the chassis lugs.
Alternatively PVC tape over each edge of back.
If either of these works I'll have to look at the latches.
If not I'll have to think about a small light source to fit in the take up chamber, I have a pen with LED somewhere.
It is a good thing your Kiev is perfect.

Noel
P.S. Kim's post would seem to suggest that one of the light traps under the top plate has come adrift, we need someone who has had a MIR apart, if I strip mine, I will need to store it as even more parts which is exposed.

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Noel,
Thanks for the advice,not to mention the thought that you have given to the problems,and the work that you propose to do!!It's very generous of you and much appreciated.😀

Brian.

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Since my last post ,I have put two colour neg films through the Mir,and unfortunately failed to solve the problem.To summarise I have--

Sealed the rebates between the back and the body.
Replaced the seal under the lens mount.
Taken out the self timer and completely sealed.
Covered flash sync socket and all screws on rt.hand side with light seal material.

The Mir is now on it's way to Oleg,he did a service and curtain replacement on it last year, before I sold it to Kully,and he is going to have a go at Zapping the light leak for me.I have complete confidence in him,I have too much effort invested to let it sit on the shelf.Not to mention Kully's efforts as well.

Will keep you informed😉

Brian.

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

It's back,and it's light-tight!🙂

Oleg worked his magic on the Mir,and it is now film tested and 100% operational.

For those with a similar problem of light leaks around the take-up spool area,the only obvious evidence of Oleg's solution is a strip of light seal foam inserted between the shutter crate and the camera body behind the take-up spool.

Cheers,
Brian.

 

[wolves3012]

Nice one! Congratulations on a leak-free camera!

 

[kully]

Congratulations from me. That Oleg must be some kind of camera druid light-leak dowser to have found that light leak.

 

[POSTI-Tuomo]

I have a related issue, but I think the light leak in my Zorki 4 is in a different place. Here, let me show you a photograph I took earlier this summer. The camera was held vertical, with the RF/VF window side up...



As you can see, the light leak is on the right side. Where is that defective sealing to be found?

 

[wolves3012]

Posti, are you sure that's not just flare from the sun through the tree you're standing by? The sun looks very high on your right there?

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

I have a related issue, but I think the light leak in my Zorki 4 is in a different place. Here, let me show you a photograph I took earlier this summer. The camera was held vertical, with the RF/VF window side up...

View attachment 50115

As you can see, the light leak is on the right side. Where is that defective sealing to be found?

Hi Posti,
I think that the light seal which Oleg installed was not replacement,but an addition.It is in the take-up spool chamber under the edge of the shutter crate side panel,immediately behind the shutter delay switch.

Brian.

 

[POSTI-Tuomo]

Yeah, I think I might want to take a DIY approach on this one. I just need to get some proper string and experiment with it for a while. Otherwise the Z4 is in dandy condition, so a trip to Oleg's wouldn't really be warranted this time.

On the other hand, it's going to need a CLA sometime in the future anyhow, so why not just take care of all issues at once.... Actually, I just might grab some Aki Asahi coverings and replace that old vulcanite with some fine cowhide, and then send it to Oleg for a CLA. What say ye?