Looking for help to hunt down a lightleak

[wanderer_68]

Hello,​

I am using an Alden 74 for loading my Ixmoo cassettes. I just processed a film (Kodak Double-X 5222), and, in the middle of the film I have a big lightleak (see first picture attached).​

I know it’s not coming from the camera (Leica M6) as I didn’t have any issues with another film done the very same day in broad daylight. I don’t think it’s coming from the cassette itself the only culprit left would be the bulk-loader.​

I tape the door closing the cassette receptacle, the springs which hold the door are a bit weak and the door kind of move a little bit, so to be sure it closes properly I put some black electrician tape all around the edges.​

I have noticed that the knob for closing back the ixmoo cassettes doesn't come back all the way back in position (see the second and third pictures) could it be the source of the leak? And if yes what would be the best solution to solve the issue?​

Thank you very much in advance for your time and help​

Wishing you a beautiful day​

Alain​

PS: English is not my first language, so my apologies for any grammar errors and please do not hesitate to ask me if I am not clear​

 

[OlivierAOP]

A good way to test for light leaks is to get a small bike or flash light, put it in the loader or camera and go in a dark room. An easy solution is to load in the dark and count the clicks.

If the light leak was coming from the loader, wouldn't it appear on the entire film? Did you wait or knock something midway while loading?

 

[wanderer_68]

A good way to test for light leaks is to get a small bike or flash light, put it in the loader or camera and go in a dark room. An easy solution is to load in the dark and count the clicks.

If the light leak was coming from the loader, wouldn't it appear on the entire film? Did you wait or knock something midway while loading?

Hello,
Thank you very much for your answer.
So, I had a previous leak, coming from the door closing the cassette receptacle, which was loose, and indeed it fogged the entire film that's why I tape it in position since.
The only culprit left is the knob which I circled in a previous picture and as you can see, it's not going back fully in position. I have to hold it when loading the film to prevent it turning, so there is a possibility I moved my hand during the loading process therefore allowing a bit of light getting in...
Nevertheless I find weird that this knob is not getting back fully in place...

 

[Livesteamer]

Is the knob on the same side of the film as the light leak? Has this happened more than once? No apologies needed, your English is much better than my second language. Joe

 

[wanderer_68]

Is the knob on the same side of the film as the light leak? Has this happened more than once? No apologies needed, your English is much better than my second language. Joe

Hello,
Thank you for your answer (and for complimenting my English..)
it's the first time I am having such a leak...
Actually, the leak being at the bottom of the image, makes me realized it's not on the same side as the knob....
Hmmm the mystery is getting thicker

 

[Livesteamer]

Remember that the camera lens projects the image onto the film up side down. Sometimes there is no answer for an event like this. Joe.