Light Leaks from Certo 6

[scottyb70]

Does anyone know where this light leak might be coming from? I think is might have something to do with the take up spool area? I got random lines like this through out the role. I don't think it is the bellows because the lines are perfect.

 

[jan normandale]

looks like the seals along the door hinge are the culprits. I'd give them a close look.

 

[P C Headland]

I had vaguely similar issues with my Certo 6.

I looked everywhere - inside the film chamber, checked the top plate, checked the bellows, checked the lens and shutter, tried the camera in and out of the case, & even tried renewing what looked like some non-original felt around parts of the door.

Then I went and looked at all my other folders, and noted that none had any light seal material, and it twigged as to why the back was always a little fiddly to open - I surmised that there should be NO light trap material, and that it is entirely "mechanical". So I removed all traces of light trap material, and the problem has gone away.

 

[scottyb70]

Thanks guys I will check, hope that is the problem. Just to let you know, when I was winding each frame the film roll felt tight as I cocked the lever. It felt like there was a bump in the roll. Maybe I set the film the wrong way on the spool and caused the film to be uneven. When the roll advanced it pushed the door slightly open that is why I didn't see the light leak on the first frame and then it got bigger as I went down to the last frame.

 

[graywolf]

To expand on P C's comment.

A lot (maybe most) old cameras used a light trap (usually a rail in a groove type of arrangement). If someone has put some foam in the groove, the cover will not close properly.

The one's that did use light seals used fabric that did not rot away in 10 years like the more modern foam (sigh). Anyone know of a source for that old plush fabric light seal stripping?