Bessa II light leaks.

PTxIVZ said:

Hi I found light leaks exactly like yours in my BessaRF. The pictures were taken using a 6x4.5 mask, and tape side is where the roll starts. Given Bessa RF and II are about the same design, could you help me figure out where the leak is?

From the threads I got an idea it might be a crack, but I couldn't find any damage on the body. However, I did open the top plate to adjust the rangefinder. I'm not sure if it's the top plate or parts inside not properly secured.

Many thanks!

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Dan Daniel said:

Put the film insode as it would be when shot. Not where the leaks lend up. Your leak looks to be at a roller, what with the sort of hard line on one side. But hard to say for certain. Remember that the leak usually happens before or after the film is in the opening, not when actually exposed.

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PTxIVZ said:

T

Thanks for your reply. I think it comes from the take up side since there is leak ahead of the first frame? When you say roller do you mean the spool?

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BobUK said:

Assuming you develop your own.

Have you thought of placing cut down printing paper into the film plane and extended into the roll holder spaces.
Close the back, then hold a torch close to the suspected corner.
Develop as usual.
You may find the location of the leak without spending a fortune on more rolls of film.

Try with the emulsion side towards the lens with one piece, and one facing towards the pressure plate.
You only get the one exposure but it may be enough to locate the light leak.

I first used this on a Russian Cosmic 35 when the camera was just out of warranty, and Noah was a lad.
That was cured with a home made tight fitting felt washer placed around the release button inside the top cover.

Of course you have to mark the paper and case so you know the orientation after removal, and development.

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loccdor said:

Welcome to Photrio. That leak looks like it's located at the bottom of the shiny roller. You may want to get some self adhesive felt or foam and experiment on covering that area.

Unfortunately most repairers don't do a film test for light leaks, but light seals are simple enough to replace yourself.

An alternative that would probably solve your particular case is adding some kind of leather half-case to the camera, either old or newly manufactured... the old ones have two halves that can be separated and you can just use the bottom.

View attachment 416749

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JB141 said:

Yes, unfortunately the leather-case which came with the camera did not fit the camera, nor the framecounting window.. and the Bessa i ones also do not fit the ii. I'm so sorry but what exactly do you mean with shiny roller. Also am I right to assume that when i look at the opened back my lightleak comes from the bottom left?

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