why am i getting flipped images?

[theblotted]

experts, check out these shots and please tell me why i'm getting these strange flipped images.. it's taken with Leica M3, Summarit 50mm BW400CN. seems like only the neon lighted parts are getting filpped?

 

[Hector Negron]

 

[Richard G]

Likely reflection from the back surface of one of the lens elements is again reflected from a front surface, resulting in the flipped ghost image.

 

[MartinP]

Reflections from the front element and then the inside of an uncoated filter ?

 

[le vrai rdu]

experts, check out these shots and please tell me why i'm getting these strange flipped images.. it's taken with Leica M3, Summarit 50mm BW400CN. seems like only the neon lighted parts are getting filpped?

internal refexion

any window ?

 

[bmattock]

experts, check out these shots and please tell me why i'm getting these strange flipped images.. it's taken with Leica M3, Summarit 50mm BW400CN. seems like only the neon lighted parts are getting filpped?

As others have said, internal reflection. Your exposures are long, and the brightest parts of your scene are reflecting between two glass elements and causing an exposure as well.

You would not see this during the daytime, because your exposure time is not long enough to to cause the reflection to produce a visible image. And that's why the highlights of your night scene reflect and not the darker parts - it's only just enough exposure for the very brightest parts to create an exposure, although all are being reflected.

If you have a filter on your lens, take it off. Use a lens hood, even at night (just a general concept, that may not fix this problem). If possible, try a different lens. And if none of those options are available, a slightly shorter exposure should suffice to fix the problem.

EDIT: Another possible cause would be camera movement, but from the images themselves, I tend to doubt that. You used a tripod, yes?

 

[theblotted]

thanks everybody, esp bmattock.

no window, i was driving around, and saw the subject so i just pulled over, rolled down the window and snapped. no tripod, but i was resting the camera on the ledge (that's why you can see part of the rearview mirror skimming near bottom of pic).

i think i had my UV filter on... i'll take it off and put a hood on next time.