Minolta Hi-matic 7s scratching film - help

[Jaans]

Hi,

I recently purchased a Minolta Hi-Matic 7s camera. I'm loving this rokkor lens - it seems to have a more classic rendering than my Rokkor for my CLE, less contrast and ghosting when shot into the sun. Probably due to less coatings, but still a sharp lens across the field.

Unfortunately, I have processed 10 rolls of film and there are noticeable scratches on the shiny side of the film. This is definitely from the camera as I have processed for over 10 years and never encountered this problem, when using my other cameras.

So, is there a quick fix that I can do? The film back that the film slides over was sticky - could this be the cause. Would cleaning that do the job? Is it dust stuck in this back area where the film slides through?

Or is it more serious, hence does it need to go to the camera technician, because perhaps there is to much pressure on the film?

If anyone has experience with this it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance~

 

[Jaans]

Just wondering if anyone has had experience with their camera scratching film? It doesn't necessarily have to be a Hi-matic.

Thanks in advance^^

 

[markus_h_photography]

Hi.
The only time I have ever had a film scratched was when a bit of grit got in the back.

I've just had a look at my Himatic 7 and really can't see anything that could scratch a film other than the pressure plate (if it had some dust or grit on it).

As you say it was sticky, I'd give that a good clean. Just a cotton bud dipped in some spirits should do the trick. Then give it all a good blow out and try another roll.

Best of luck!

 

[Jaans]

Hi.
The only time I have ever had a film scratched was when a bit of grit got in the back.

I've just had a look at my Himatic 7 and really can't see anything that could scratch a film other than the pressure plate (if it had some dust or grit on it).

As you say it was sticky, I'd give that a good clean. Just a cotton bud dipped in some spirits should do the trick. Then give it all a good blow out and try another roll.

Best of luck!

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it! I will give it a clean and see how it goes!

 

[johannielscom]

If the scratches are always at the same height and run the length of the whole film, you might have a small blemish on the pressure plate or in the film gate or along the film path between the guiding rails in the camera.

You should be able to find it, just 'feeling it up'. It can be a very small nick but if it's there, your fingertips will likely be able to feel it.

If scratches on a variable height, for less than a whole films length, a single grain of sand easily might already accomplish that indeed.

 

[Jaans]

If the scratches are always at the same height and run the length of the whole film, you might have a small blemish on the pressure plate or in the film gate or along the film path between the guiding rails in the camera.

You should be able to find it, just 'feeling it up'. It can be a very small nick but if it's there, your fingertips will likely be able to feel it.

If scratches on a variable height, for less than a whole films length, a single grain of sand easily might already accomplish that indeed.

Thanks Johan for your input. I'm just about to examine the camera for any debris.