Light Leaks on IIIf?

[keechoon]

Hi all,

I had just developed a test roll on my newly accquired IIIf and there's a leak somewhere in the camera causing washout spots at the bottom of the entire roll (including the spockets).

Attached are some of the pictures from the roll.








Looks like it's going in for servicing. Can someone advise on the possible areas of leak?

Thanks!

 

[ZorkiKat]

As mentioned above, check the screws. However, there are no screws at the "bottom" area of the Leica. The leaks show on the lower part of the frame, which in turn was in the 'upper' part of the camera. The set screws on the back can go lose and let in light. If the leak be indeed from a loose screw, the fog location would indicate a loose body screw under the eyepieces.

There is also a felt strip running below the slow speed dial of the camera. This may need to be replaced too. But this can only be done with the camera partly disassembled.

The leak can also be from light breaching the light baffles inside the body, placed around the shutter gate.

 

[Darshan]

Isn't the image on film inverted?

I just saw ZorkiKat's msg after my post. ;-)

 

[keechoon]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

After reading the replies, I noticed that there is a small gap between the top plate and leatherette at where the right strap lug is. The top plate does not sit flush unlike the left side. Applying some pressure, I can see that the gap can be closed.

Since the film goes in with the bottom spockets up, I am guessing that it might be that area. Judging from the pictures, I guess my finger or hand had somehow block part of the leak causing it to appear. Possible explanation?