Mamiya 7ii light leak

[zhenka22]

Hi all

New to the forum and new to my Mamiya 7ii! I have purchased this camera on ebay in good condition with an 80mm and 43mm. I have run 2 test rolls through it so far. The first was 220 colour roll, second was 120 bnw.
In both rolls, there was 1 frame with a thin vertical leak. I have hoped that after shooting with an RB67 that I would not have to deal with light leaks with this camera, but alas it is not to be...

Both times it happened when the 80mm was used, I dont know if this is a coincidence or not. Has anyone experienced this shaped leak in their Mamiyas, and if so, what was the solution?

Many thanks

 

[charjohncarter]

I hate light leaks, and I don't have this camera. But I tried to interest this forum in a light leak data base but it didn't fly. The paper back on 120 really 'protects' many light leaks from the back door, but there are always sneaky ones. Two things that I've done to narrow the leak down is is to put dark tape around the door and remove sections as the roll is used, another is to put a strong light with the lens off and the shutter for changing the lenses into the front of the camera. Someone told me that in 35 mm there are different colors depending if the light is coming through the base or directly from the front. I think it was orange if through the base which you have. Good luck with this. I can't see how it could be related to the lens shutter, as I only have a friends that I have used, you should think about that too.

Let's hope somethat knows these cameras will jump in here.

 

[tonyflora]

Does this light leak coincide with a lens change? Could be the curtain not fully closing??? I'm guessing.

 

[zhenka22]

Hey guys

The leak did not coincide with a lens change. I also though that it should not occur with the 120 roll because of the backing paper, but to my surprise it was there, again only once in the whole roll...

 

[dct]

Hey guys

The leak did not coincide with a lens change. I also though that it should not occur with the 120 roll because of the backing paper, but to my surprise it was there, again only once in the whole roll...

...and this doesn't coincide with 1st images or one of the last images? If it does, on regular basis, than it could be leak problem around the roll mechanism on the left or right side.

Just to put the finger on it maybe you should sacrifice a few old/cheap rolls to test it with cap on/off, with different lenses, with sealed back - as already mentioned. Annoying thing and I'm also interested in the resolution of this problem, because a 7II is on my wish list too, someday...

 

[zhenka22]

Just an update for those interested. The bnw image attached whilst looks like a light leak, turned out to be a glitch in the development. I assumed it was a light leak as it only happened once on the roll but looking closer I realised that it was a patch of uneven development (roll was stand developed).

I ran a 3rd test roll through of 120 film and there were no leaks. The conclusion is that there is a very subtle leak between the back cover and body on the right hand side, but it does not effect 120 rolls due to backing paper.

Relieved to have finally figured this out. Will just stick with 120 films with this camera...

 

[dct]

Thank you for the clarification! Enjoy your 7II !!!