Graflex XL light leak

[kq6up]

I just purchased an XL, and my first test roll indicates a light leak. Do you guys think this could be the rollfilm holder or the Graflock back leaking? I guess it is also possible the XL back is leaking too. I am just wondering which one is the most likely to leak. The rollfilm back seems to be undamaged.

The felt seal on the graflock seems like it has seen its better days, but I am wondering if these cameras had issues with leaks, and if so, where?

Thanks,
Chris Maness

 

[Sirius Glass]

I suggest that you post this on graflex.org so that you have a greater likelihood of contacting Graflex XL users.

Steve

 

[mgb74]

Check to make sure you don't have a crack in the focus helical.

 

[kq6up]

I checked. No crack in the helicoid. I asked a camera repair friend of mine, and he is saying that the rollfilm back is most likely the cause. Looking at it closer, it does not mesh up real tight. He is looking through his notes to try to find a fix for it.

Thanks,
Chris Maness

 

[Guillaume Zuili]

It's quite common.
I used to put gaffer all along. No more leaks.

 

[kq6up]

Did you put gaffer's tape on the hemispherical clam shell portion? That is what looks like it is loose. I also might try some light seal.

Thanks,
Chris Maness

 

[Guillaume Zuili]

Sorry Chris I missed your post.
I had the Veriwide so it might be different but pretty sure it shared the same backs.
All along the separation between back and camera. Better more than...
Best,
G

 

[kq6up]

So your back was not leaking it was the graflock back, correct? There are some felt pads on my graflock that are kind of dry and crusty. If that is where it is leaking from I could replace those.

Thanks,
Chris Maness

 

[Guillaume Zuili]

Definitely. Dry and crusty no good.