M6 Exposure Issue - please help

[sockeyed]

I just picked up an M6 'Classic' in like-new condition from Columbus Camera. It looked barely used when it arrived, and I feel like I've put more wear on it over the last week than it has ever had.

There's one issue, though. I shot about a hundred+ frames, and on about 4 images, there's a strange fogging that you can see in the attached image. These frames were randomly scattered on the rolls I shot, and whatever happened did not affect the images on either side. The attached image is the most dramatic. In other cases, the effect is more subtle. I figure that it has something to do with the shutter, but I'm not sure what, exactly.

Any thoughts?

thanks!
Ben

 

[back alley]

looks like the shutter is sticking.

 

[Chaser]

You may also try looking through the lensopening with the back of the camera held open to see if there are any pinholes in the curtain... I had a similar problem with my m6 and it was a hole in the curtain that i never noticed because i didn't realise that there is one curtain when the shutter is cocked and a different one when it is not.

 

[saxshooter]

I had a similar problem with a Wetzler M6. The fogged frames were the ones that were the last frame exposed and then there was a period of time that passed until the next exposure, right? That's when the fogging happened. Unfortunately, my repair person was not able to locate the source of the "Leitz leak" and I traded the camera for an M4-P the repair person had.

Good luck, Charlie

 

[jaapv]

It looks weird. The edges are exposed correctly yet the fog appears to come from the top and bottom of the picture. It has been done during exposure, it does not look like a static leak. My guess would be that there is somthing wrong with the guidance of the shutter curtains. It is impossible to tell if this is a simple repair or a shutter replacement, so I would return the camera with the request that they have it repaired for you.

 

[usccharles]

did you maybe change lenses? maybe light got in through the curtains while you were changing lenses?... i don't know, just guessin

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Send it back to the store, with the negs, and ask them to sort it out.

 

[Andrew3511]

I think you have a light leak that is not the shutter. The key will be if the affected frames are after a period when the film has not been advanced for a bit. I'm not at all sure where the leak is but light is getting in where it shouldn't and not during the exposure. Pinholes in the curtain give you little dots, this is something else.

 

[jaapv]

did you maybe change lenses? maybe light got in through the curtains while you were changing lenses?... i don't know, just guessin

I think you'd really have to press down on the curtains to get a result like this, if at all. My guess is the curtains were moving when it happened.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Let me get this right: You just bought a top camera, it's messed up, and you ask in here about what may the cause?

Obviously later today somebody will tell you to get a different strap...

Get the store to sort it.

 

[Ken Ford]

Let me get this right: You just bought a top camera, it's messed up, and you ask in here about what may the cause?

Obviously later today somebody will tell you to get a different strap...

Get the store to sort it.

That's rather disrespectful to sockeyed and the rest of us, wouldn't you say? What problem do you have with him asking questions of the group?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

That's rather disrespectful to sockeyed and the rest of us, wouldn't you say? What problem do you have with him asking questions of the group?

It's common sense mate.

 

[rover]

Jon, no it is disrepectful. The fact that it does make sense doesn't change that.

RFF is a place for everyone. If you don't feel a particular post or thread is worthy of your attention, please don't share that with us.

Or, go fiddle with your straps, it may help you feel better.

 

[sockeyed]

If it was as easy was walking down to the shop on the corner and asking them to have a look at it, I would obviously do so, but the store is in Columbus, Ohio and I am in Vancouver, BC, CANADA. I was stung for $167 in taxes bringing it across the border, plus I don't like to needlessly ship the camera around, so I thought that I would seek the advice of knowledgable folks here on the forum. If that's not what this forum is for, then I'm confused.

Thanks to all of those who provided me with their thoughts. Here are a few clarifications:

The camera sat for no more than a minute or two on either side of this exposure. I took a whole series inside this bagel shop. There is no fogging on either frame before or after.

I didn't change lenses either.

Anyway, I'll get in touch with Columbus Camera and see what they think. Thanks again for your help, and any more advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Ben

 

[Dfndr90]

Sockeyed,

I live in Columbus and have bought some equipment from Columbus Camera. I looked at that M6, but thought something was wrong with it. When I went back to check it again, it was gone. I thought the price was too good to be true. If you want I can try to handle the return for you and maybe avoid the taxes somehow. P.M. me if you want to chat.

Matt...

 

[sockeyed]

Thanks, Matt. Bobomoon helped me with the original purchase and I might talk to him, too. Columbus Camera has a stellar reputation, so I'm not worried.

 

[sockeyed]

I emailed a couple of the problem images to DAG and promptly got this response:

Ben,

about 1/2 way in the M6 production Leica redesigned the main light shields because at times they'd get light leaks like the ones you're getting. I'm not sure when Leica made the change over but my guess is around serial #1,800,000. So if you have an early M6 that's why you have the light leak problem & the new style shields need to be installed. Cost is about $125.00. mUch of the camera needs to come apart in order to get to the light shields,
regards,

Don

So, there's my answer. My M6 dates from 1986, so it's early in the production run, as he guesses. I'll contact Columbus Camera tomorrow to see what they suggest.

Also, kudos to DAG for his quick and helpful response.

 

[bobomoon]

Glad you got it sorta sorted out Ben. Man, why can't anything be easy?

Young-Ki

 

[nksyoon]

I get this problem occasionally with my M6 (#172xxxx) as well - I try not to have my lens pointing at very bright light before I'm ready to take a shot.