Troubleshooting some pictures from M2

[Acliff]

Hey guys, I just got some films developed and scanned, and although the majority of the photos were fine in spite of my inexperience, a couple of photos seem to have been affected by streaks of light.

1 roll of BW400CN and superia 400 seemed to be complete unaffected, but 1 roll of BW400 and 1 roll of superia 800 seemed to have intermittent issues.
I was using an M2 with a VC 35mm 2.5 PII and a VC 50mm 1.5.

In your opinion does the following gallery contain examples of a light leak, shutter issue, personal operational error or flare?

http://picasaweb.google.com/acliff/LightLeak

 

[Sonnar Brian]

It looks like a Light Leak. maybe coming in through the back door.

Do the streaks run across the space in between the images?

 

[fuji645]

Ditto Brian's comment. Does appear to be a light leak. Check to make sure that it is sealing properly. Additionally, shoot a roll under controlled circumstances--same lens, same scene. Preferably b&w and process your self; if t that's not feasible, shoot a roll under the above condition & have it processed by a shop you feel comfortable with.

 

[Acliff]

On some pictures it does look like the leak covers more than one frame.

What should I be looking for on the body? It currently has film in it, so I can't open it up, but there is some vulcanite missing on the right hand side right next to the baseplate. Could that be causing an issue?
If so, I'm not sure how the photos are ok most of the time.

 

[Tom A]

It does look like a light leak from either the cameras back door - or from the cassette itself! Load another film - shoot 1/2 as you did with the problem ones and then put some black tape around the back door (covering the vertical and horizontal opening slots) and shoot the rest of the film. This will tell you if the back door is "leaking light". If the streaks persist it is most likely the film cassette - or a loose/leaky strap-lug. Check that they are tight and dont swivel as they can cause streaks when loose.
There can also be a loose "light seal" in the camera. However these are mostly vertical streaks.

 

[Keith]

The other issue with light leaks is they often won't be apparent when shooting a series of photos in succession which is why they can appear to be random.

My Iskra does this in strong outside light. Let the camera sit in a certain position for a while and it shows signs of leakage on that frame ... keep moving around and shooting reasonably quickly and there's no sign of it!

 

[Sparrow]

light trap, felt thingie, in the bottom shutter gully if it's a regular thing

P.S. I get this but it's so infrequent I cant tell which body is responsible

 

[Acliff]

Thanks for everyone's input so far.

Tom, the strange thing is that only 3 or 6 frames of the whole roll is affected. Only 1-2 of each roll is affected by the full band.

I would understand if the whole roll or large sections, or the beginning was affected, but its curious.

On the colour film frames 3 4 18 19 20 21 was affected, 3 being the one with the full light band.

On the black and white, frames 4 15 17, 15 and 17 both showing a full band across it.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

That is the nature of a light leak. Most likely the back door, but you never know!

One more reason for using an ever-ready case.

If the camera has not been CLA'd, it might be due.

 

[Sparrow]

Brian; wouldn't the fog extend to the edge if it was the door? the top and bottom are masked by something

 

[Sonnar Brian]

It acts as another layer of baffling, and also puts pressure on the back door to hold it against the body. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

 

[Acliff]

Brian; wouldn't the fog extend to the edge if it was the door? the top and bottom are masked by something

That was what I was thinking.
In every photo the leak (+) appears to be contained in the area shown below, even the small leaks showing on the edges.
Because of the upside down projection, the light leak is closer to the base of the camera?

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[Vilk]

changing lenses there? that's what a frontal broadside of sunlight looks like, certainly 6 and 7

(take off the lens and leave the camera face-up under a desk lamp for a few minutes--this will give you an idea of the shape and size to expect)

 

[Vincent.G]

Are you using any leather case?

 

[Acliff]

I'm not usind a leather case, I'm not sure I want to. I guess it would minimise leaks through the side and back though.

From my memory I didn't change the lens in between these shots.

I'm guessing a cla would help fix the issue, how much would one cost in the uk?

 

[Vincent.G]

You should try what Tom suggested. Might be a light leak through the sides of back hinge door.

 

[rayfoxlee]

My M2 had a similar problem. New shutter light trapping from an M7 (I believe) sorted the problem. Malcolm Taylor charged £195 a couple of years ago. He is Leica trained, I believe.

 

[Ronald M]

Do you mean a CV 35 mm lens? There is no manufacturer named VC. VC is variable contrast paper for the darkroom.

Cosina Voitlander

 

[normclarke]

Rayfoxlee had the answer it is either the bottom curtain curling or the light trap that sits in front of the shutter. Leica back doors are not very often faulty.

Best,

normclarke.

 

[jimcon11]

I am positive my M2 has the same issue... it rears its head on about 1 frame every roll I shoot. I have a hunch that it is the curtain curling thing, because my shutter speeds are also out of whack and need to be re-calibrated.

To the original poster: do you have a lens cap? I found the problem to be much more prevalent for me until I started capping my lens when not in use...

If the problem is with the "light trap" in front of the shutter, is there any chance of fixing this with a bit of electrical tape?