Problem with Fujica G690BL negatives

[Scapevision]

Hey guys, I seem to have some strange issue with my Fujica G690BL that I can't seem to pinpoint. It looks to me like a light leak, goes in a rectangle around the edge of the frame. You can see a trace in the example, especially on the top. I've looked in the camera and the only thing I suspect could be the light curtain area. Any ideas? It shows up on every single frame, sometimes more noticeable.


Light Angles by Dmitrijs Belokons, on Flickr

 

[Spanik]

Also in the spacing between the frames, at start en end of the film?

 

[NY_Dan]

Could it be your scanner's film holder?

Try loading a fresh roll and putting electrical tape on suspected light leak areas like the rear door.

 

[Scapevision]

Could it be your scanner's film holder?

Try loading a fresh roll and putting electrical tape on suspected light leak areas like the rear door.

I doubt it, as I've scanned GW690 negs with the same holder/scanner and didn't see this issue.

My main guess would be light leaking from the opening where the curtain (dark slide) comes in, because those black marks you can see are some hairs sticking out of the leader of the curtain, I keep trimming them. I don't really see any other way this could be explained. I've completely resealed the back door.

 

[Scapevision]

Also in the spacing between the frames, at start en end of the film?

no, don't see this issue there. BTW I usually keep dark slide curtain in place until before I take the shot. It's a rectangular shape going around the frame about a couple mm into it.

 

[Spanik]

Well, the curtain it isn't. If you have a problem with the leading edge of it, then it would be hairs at the side, not top and bottom.

The only thing I see is a lighter edge top and bottom that is "straight" right up to the edge. I do not see anything at the shorter edge. (at least not in this photo) That's why I suspect development. Like rollers, or a large flange development spool.

Far to straight for me to be light leaks.

I don't use the curtain unless I change lenses. And the curtain has no path to the oudside to let light in. If it would be reflections on the rails it runs in I'd expect it to be worse in areas with more light, not uniform along the whole frame.

 

[sevo]

It does not look as if it was in any way exposure related. It could be a in-camera mechanical issue (rail or counter roller pressure), or even something outside the camera. My prime suspect would be processing, namely wetting agent residue on the reels. But I've also seen similar artefacts from scanners.

 

[Scapevision]

It does not look as if it was in any way exposure related. It could be a in-camera mechanical issue (rail or counter roller pressure), or even something outside the camera. My prime suspect would be processing, namely wetting agent residue on the reels. But I've also seen similar artefacts from scanners.

No way, as I process in the same lab that uses dip and dunk, I have two cameras I shoot, negs from the other camera area always spotless, only this Fujica negs have these lines. It doesn't look like scratches either, it's more faded, like a light leak. I rule out processing 100%. It's definitely a camera issue. I'm going to try taping off the light curtain openings, then also taping the door, see what happens.

 

[Ezzie]

Looks very much like what I had on my G690BL. Never did find out what caused it. Sold it on with a note to new owner about possible issue.

 

[kuzano]

I never have had two lenses for my G690's and bl models. I got to the point that I took the dark slide out of the camera's entirely. If the back door is doing it's job, I see no way the channel for the dark slide could be allowing light. I don't understand why you leave the dark slide engaged until you shoot, but......

Again, if these camera's are light tight in the appropriate areas.... back door all around and lens breech lock, I can't imagine a light leak.

I'd say send it to Frank Marshman. He's very reasonable.

Me... I'd dump the dark slide and put a slight bead of black silicone seal in the channel for the slide if I had the slightest idea there could be light available there. Who changes lenses on 8 shots to a roll anyway? With most of the dark slides, if you take it out, you're improving the camera for everyday usage....no little hairs at least.

OK... some may.

 

[Scapevision]

I never have had two lenses for my G690's and bl models. I got to the point that I took the dark slide out of the camera's entirely. If the back door is doing it's job, I see no way the channel for the dark slide could be allowing light. I don't understand why you leave the dark slide engaged until you shoot, but......

Again, if these camera's are light tight in the appropriate areas.... back door all around and lens breech lock, I can't imagine a light leak.

I'd say send it to Frank Marshman. He's very reasonable.

Me... I'd dump the dark slide and put a slight bead of black silicone seal in the channel for the slide if I had the slightest idea there could be light available there. Who changes lenses on 8 shots to a roll anyway? With most of the dark slides, if you take it out, you're improving the camera for everyday usage....no little hairs at least.

OK... some may.

I just use it as a lock to prevent shutter from tripping 🙂

 

[JChrome]

Problem with Fujica G690BL negatives

I posted about something similar a while back, but this was with the Pentax67 and not the Fuji BL690.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2105305

But, upon closer inspection, these are two different issues.

I have a Fuji GL690 and haven't seen this. Can you check the negative to see if it's in the negative?

I really can't imagine it's the shutter curtain. It's almost like you have viewfinder frame lines on your photo.

 

[Scapevision]

I posted about something similar a while back, but this was with the Pentax67 and not the Fuji BL690.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2105305

But, upon closer inspection, these are two different issues.

I have a Fuji GL690 and haven't seen this. Can you check the negative to see if it's in the negative?

I really can't imagine it's the shutter curtain. It's almost like you have viewfinder frame lines on your photo.

Yeah I see some darkening resembling what I posted on the neg. I can't imagine how those would get on film 😱 I've been brainstorming this with a local gang, still nothing concrete, just need to finish another test roll I did with taping different parts.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Ok so I've thought about this for a little while. And looked at the back of a Fuji online. I think there might be a couple of things happening.

The film rails are chrome. They can reflect light. While the pattern on the film is relatively hard edged and textured a leak from the back reflecting off of a rail combined with a poorly tensioned pressure plate might explain the pattern you are seeing.

Another thing that I notice is on the Fuji back it has a recessed area on the left side. Of the film plane. Looking at your image I see a distinct corner on your bottom right, exactly where a leak from the top would be coming in.

Like we spoke about, I'd line a piece of film in and see exactly where the patterns line up but I'm going to guess this. I doubt there is a leak on the lens mount. It wouldn't make such a perfect aberration. You had the first portion of your latest roll taped. I'm gonna bet money that those first shots will be free from issues. (I'm not actually going to put money on anything)

 

[Spanik]

Like we spoke about, I'd line a piece of film in and see exactly where the patterns line up but I'm going to guess this. I doubt there is a leak on the lens mount. It wouldn't make such a perfect aberration. You had the first portion of your latest roll taped. I'm gonna bet money that those first shots will be free from issues. (I'm not actually going to put money on anything)

That's what bothers me, those lines are far too "perfect" to be light leaks. Too straight and too regular.

 

[sevo]

That's what bothers me, those lines are far too "perfect" to be light leaks. Too straight and too regular.

So you believe you can exclude a light leak and processing error, and you don't want to test further whether it is a mechanical issue. Given that that leaves no rational cause, you may have to accept that that camera is cursed or haunted...

 

[Scapevision]

So you believe you can exclude a light leak and processing error, and you don't want to test further whether it is a mechanical issue. Given that that leaves no rational cause, you may have to accept that that camera is cursed or haunted...

Ok, who we gonna call?

 

[Dante_Stella]

no, don't see this issue there. BTW I usually keep dark slide curtain in place until before I take the shot. It's a rectangular shape going around the frame about a couple mm into it.

Why? This is just a way to hasten the dark slide's demise. Just don't wind the film until you are ready to shoot.

D

 

[Spanik]

So you believe you can exclude a light leak and processing error, and you don't want to test further whether it is a mechanical issue. Given that that leaves no rational cause, you may have to accept that that camera is cursed or haunted...

I do not exclude a processing error, on the contrary that would be just where I would be looking in the first place. If it would be light leaks I'd expect them not to be always as strong, if it are reflections off something in the box then I'd expect it to be dependend on how light (or dark) the photo is.

Light leaks depend on the light on the outside of the camera and at what angle it shines on the camera. Reflections depend on how much light enters the lens and at what angle it strikes the reflecting object. The chance that that causes a perfect straight line at exactly the same place on all shots of a film is small. Too small for me not to investigate other causes first.

 

[BLKRCAT]

I had been discussing possible issues all afternoon yesterday.

To me it looks like an improper rinse or a processing error. These usually can make repeatable sharper aberrations on the film. But I'm told that the lines can only be seen within the frames and don't appear on the length of the film. Also that the issue is seen consistently between bw and color with this camera only.

I know this camera has a weak backing plate. This Is why I'm suggesting it's a reflection inside. For it to be such a perfect sharp leak seems unlikely but I kind of have to think that a small leak on 35 would look much different than a small leak on 6x9.

The other option would be leaks around the light baffles of the dark slide. I know this can be an issue with m cameras. But for that much light to be leaking in through the lens mount I feel like you would notice something when the dark slide is retracted and you're waiting for a shot.

Maybe we should try a couple tests. You have 2 shots left. And you shot the majority of the roll with the back taped up. I say 7th frame you engage dark slide take off he lens and shine a flashlight inside for a little bit or leave it in sun for a minute or two.

8th frame tape up the lens mount and see what you get with the back untaped.