Holga issue - unwanted lightleak

winger · Sep 6, 2017

Yeah, I know, the lightleaks are "character." But I like them to be predictable if I'm going to have them. These shots are with a new-to-me Holga and only some have the huge leak on one side - 3 out of 7, actually. These show two with and two without. Any guesses on where to block something? Because it's such a huge part and vertical, It doesn't seem like it's the back being loose. And there are shots that were taken around the same subject that don't all show it.

bvy · Sep 6, 2017

I see them clearly in one picture but not the other. Is that right? Seeing the whole film strip with designations as to which frames have the light leaks might help.

I black tape the top and bottom of the film door always. But this almost looks like a light leak from the side -- maybe from seam the behind one of the metallic clips?

winger · Sep 6, 2017

bvy said:
I see them clearly in one picture but not the other. Is that right? Seeing the whole film strip with designations as to which frames have the light leaks might help.

I black tape the top and bottom of the film door always. But this almost looks like a light leak from the side -- maybe from seam the behind one of the metallic clips?

I'll try to add a bigger shot of the roll, but to complicate things, I started the roll in one Holga then switched it (in the darkroom) to another because the shutter didn't sound right. So the first 5 shots are in a camera with a different problem.

I thought of the side and will tape that for the next roll, but light would have to go through the backing paper to strike the film from the sides. And I'd think it would get what's on the reel more - though now I wonder if that's where/when these frames got hit. It's mainly the ones that could have been sitting there waiting to be shot. Hmm, I might have just figured it out.

bvy · Sep 6, 2017

winger said:
I'll try to add a bigger shot of the roll, but to complicate things, I started the roll in one Holga then switched it (in the darkroom) to another because the shutter didn't sound right. So the first 5 shots are in a camera with a different problem.

I thought of the side and will tape that for the next roll, but light would have to go through the backing paper to strike the film from the sides. And I'd think it would get what's on the reel more - though now I wonder if that's where/when these frames got hit. It's mainly the ones that could have been sitting there waiting to be shot. Hmm, I might have just figured it out.

That was a thought I had also. And you're probably right about the film door sides.

I read once about errant light entering from one of the seams in the front side of the camera. Haven't experienced it myself, but it might be something else to consider.

winger · Dec 21, 2017

I just developed the next roll through this camera. I added lots of black plastic and tape part way through (after the above post). Still have light leaks, but I think I found the source. The shutter button is a little loose and wiggly and allows light into the back if it's in one position. I'm going to attempt surgery to add something on the inside to block it 'cause adding something on the shutter is going to make it tough to shoot.

tezzasmall · Dec 22, 2017

I must have been unlucky when I got my two Holga's as neither of them had any light leaks at all. /

What did happen on my first roll of colour c41 film though, was the back fell off onto the floor in full sunlight exposing the inside of the camera and film for about 30 seconds! I put the back on again and put some elastic bands around the camera to hold the back on and finished the film. And guess what? The pictures all came out perfect with no light leaks or sun exposure at all!! I was well impressed and am 'til this day whenever I use them.

Terry S

Holga issue - unwanted lightleak

winger

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