Light Leak SWC

Pieter12 · May 30, 2020

I have what looks like a light leak showing up on only one frame from a roll how with a Hasselblad 500 SWC. It is the second frame on the roll and the only one like this, and even seems to be on both sides, unless the other is a developing issue. Other frames shot in the same lighting conditions are fine.

Sirius Glass · May 30, 2020

That is the film back light seal leak, which appears on the right side of the negative and print.

Pieter12 · May 30, 2020

Sirius Glass said:
That is the film back light seal leak, which appears on the right side of the negative and print.

Why would it only appear on one frame of the roll? Is it a sign the seal is gradually going, only leaking sometimes?

John Wiegerink · May 30, 2020

Which frame was it on? If it's on the first it might have leaked as you pulled the dark slide. Then the seal might have had time to relax from it's compressed state and fill the light leak gap. If you left the dark slide out for the rest of the roll it would only show on one frame. Also, if it's a tiny little leak and the camera was left idle over an extended period that tiny little leak will have much more time to strike the film. If the other shots were more rapid it's possible that teeny-tiny little leak might not have had enough time to work on the film. Just a thought?

Pieter12 · May 30, 2020

It is on frame 2. There probably was not more than 15 minutes between shooting frame 1, 2 and 3. As a matter of fact, probably only a minute between 2 and 3. I usually put the dark slide back in the camera when the camera either goes back in the bag or I will be carrying it for a bit as a safeguard against accidentally tripping the shutter. I know there is a lock on the shutter release button, but the dark slide is more convenient. The slide was in and out of the camera probably 4 times for this roll. But I do think the seal is on its way out, I'll need to replace it ASAP.

Donald Qualls · May 30, 2020

That leak is on the left side of the film as it would have sat in the camera, and it's partially shadowed. The source of the light must be on the left, in a location where the film gate casts a shadow. The sun (behind clouds) is in frame, so it can't be a reflection of the sun shining on the inside of the mirror box. A dark slide leak ought to affect the rebate, not cast a shadow into the frame like that. I think that's a leak between the film back and the camera body.

etn · May 31, 2020

Pieter12 said:
Why would it only appear on one frame of the roll?

Did you change backs at some point while frame 2 was on the front side of the magazine?

Out of topic note: nice pics, I particularly like frame 3. Your pics remind me of fond memories of the time when I was working for a group in Tempe. Made a few flights with a former colleague and private pilot out of Chandler Municipal. Fun times.

Sirius Glass · May 31, 2020

Pieter12 said:
Why would it only appear on one frame of the roll? Is it a sign the seal is gradually going, only leaking sometimes?

Because the darkslide slot happened to be turned toward the sun while the film was at that part of the roll. I have had this happen on several film backs and it drove me nuts until I figured out that fogging on the right side means a light leak on the left. Save yourself grief and replace the light seal on that film back.

Pieter12 · May 31, 2020

etn said:
Did you change backs at some point while frame 2 was on the front side of the magazine?

Out of topic note: nice pics, I particularly like frame 3. Your pics remind me of fond memories of the time when I was working for a group in Tempe. Made a few flights with a former colleague and private pilot out of Chandler Municipal. Fun times.

Thanks. I know this is not a place to discuss what may be behind the photos, but I have long been attracted to airplanes. Although I am not a pilot, I spent a great many years of my professional life as an art director on aerospace accounts. While I took the photos because I liked the graphic elements and, shapes and light, it occurs to me later that here are some symbols or tools of flight, a terrific freedom, chained down and behind tall fences.

etn · May 31, 2020

Pieter12 said:
tools of flight, a terrific freedom, chained down and behind tall fences.

Exactly! this symbol, reinforced by a great artistic composition, are the reasons why I like this pic
Have fun shooting airplanes

itsdoable · May 31, 2020

I have had intermittent dark slide leaks before - it is usually caused by the degrading foam getting pulled out with the slide, causing the metal seal to be propped open a bit. The next time I stick the slide in, it pushes the foam back in, and does not interfere on the next image.

It looks like a classic dark slide seal issue. When the back is loose, the leak is usually at the bottom of the image.

Light Leak SWC

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