Light leak in my Rollei?

[weldong]

I have an Automat RF111a and I am currently, intermittently, getting some sort of light leak in the same place of the frame. I have tried different rolls of film, different labs (although unlikely the issue). I have also tried taping the sides of the back of the camera (although I don't see the fog creeping in from the sides of the frame. It happens wide open at F3.5 or F8 so aperture doesn't seem to be an issue. It happens at 1/250 and 1s so speed doesn't seem to be the issue.

Is this an issue with the shutter sticking or something?

scan 0006 and 0007 attached show the issue, 0008 does not. I waited several minutes between shots to allow for any light leaks to expose itself.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I recommend that you replace the seals. Others in APUG can direct you to the best kit for your camera and supply instructions. It does not cost much so I think it is worth the effort. If the problem persists after that, you would have at least eliminated on area of possibilities [assuming the job was done right].

Steve

 

[Jeff L]

I know there are no light seals on the rear door of a Rolleiflex, I think the only seal on a Rollei might be under the front panel around the lens. Look on the back to see if anything looks bent. Are there any bright spots inside the film chamber that could reflect and cause stray light? Rollei in later years put baffles in to control stray light. The early cameras didn't have it, but I've never had a problem. It should pretty much all be flat black. Just a thought.

 

[Ektagraphic]

Is it possible that there was a problem in the development? Was it developed by a reputable place?

 

[weldong]

thanks for the quick replies!

The interior is still all black. It has recently (and for 1 and a half years) performed without a problem. The back seems to be fine and fits well.

Three rolls have been developed that exhibit the issue, two at one and one at the other. Both reputable and I have developed a lot with each of them. Plus, the spot, when it appears, is always in the same spot, so it would have to be something really odd to do it every so often in a perfect 6cm spot.

It also appears the back plate spring is still okay, so it should be putting pressure on the film and I believe it adds to the light-proofing of the door.

Again, thanks for the thoughts. I'm baffled.

 

[weldong]

humm, i *think* it is coming through from the viewfinder. If I go into a very very dark room, with the back open and shine a flashlight into the taking lens, it is as dark as it can be. If I shine it into the viewing lens or the into the viewfinder, light comes in from near the top (I am guessing) adjustment hole on the top part of the lens. near the tube that leads the taking lens to the main part of the inside of the camera.

Is there something in the viewfinder that can come loose to cause this? I am very careful with the interior, I am sure I haven't done anything from the film side.

 

[weldong]

ok, after looking more carefully, i can see there is some sort of feltish looking seal there. Also, the light goes away if you take the focus to infinity.

Any advice on people who work on Rolleiflex's from 1937?

 

[Jeff L]

I thought I read there was a seal around the lens. This is what I know...
I have a '37 Rolleiflex as well. When I needed mine serviced I check with Oceanside in CA and Harry said it was too old for him to service, I checked with Krikor in NJ and he said the same thing. It ended up and Jurgen Kuschnik when he lived in CA. He was a factory service guy and did a great job with no issues. He moved back to Germany and services them there. I have heard the Hark Hansen, zeissikonrolleirepairer.com has a good rep but have never used him. He does old, old rollei and says he has parts.
I tried a guy were I live, an "expert" who was not, he gouged the lens bezel and said that every screw was seized, and the camera will never come apart- it's a nice paper weight... I sent it to Jurgen where it was disassembled like it was built yesterday. Just make sure you sent it to someone that truly does know. These were pivotal and beautifully crafted and designed cameras and deserve to go on to shoot for many many more years.
Try that with a 72 year old digital camera.
Let us know how it goes.
Jeff

 

[weldong]

Will do. I had it worked on by KEH a year and half ago to fix the aperature, focus, mirror and shutter speeds right after I purchased it from Ebay. They seemed to have done a very nice job. Let me know if anyone knows of any ills with them.