My Kiev is leaking

[manfromh]

I got a Kiev-4m last tuesday. After happily shooting with it over the weekend, I noticed this light leak. I dont see it on every picture, but I attached some images where its most visible. I was wondering, what could cause it? Is it possible to tell where its coming from, only by looking at the pictures?
I love the camera though.

Matis

 

[FrankS]

It's coming from the top because it's at the bottom of the negative and the image in the camera is upside down. It's coming from the front of the camera not through the back because leaks from the back will carry an orange tint from passing through the colour neg film base. That's as far as I can go with diagnostics. Good luck!

 

[greyhoundman]

On each side of the shutter crate at the top, there are two small slots. I fill these with black fabric paint when I install a new top seal. I've had light leaks through these slots that look like what you have.

 

[kmack]

I had similar light leak. In addition to greyhoundman's suggestion also see the Kiev Survival Site's page on light leaks. On that page pay particular attention to the section on leaks radiating from the sprockets.

 

[JonP]

This looks identical to mine - and Oleg agrees it's probably on the feed cassette side uder the v/f or at the top of the film roller on the left.

 

[manfromh]

Thanks everyone! Ill get around to fixing it as soon as possible!

Matis

 

[manfromh]

Okay, I was looking at that slot and was wondering, can I just fill it or cover it with something tightly? Or am I required to open the camera up and do it from the inside? The last Kiev I opened up needs spare parts now.

 

[JonP]

That stuff is also good for temporary fixes for leaking bellows, like my Iskra. 10 months temporary and counting!

 

[manfromh]

Thanks again! Ill be getting some of that.