Light leak?

[runswithsizzers]

Does anybody recognize this pattern as something with a known cause?

I am assuming the repeating dark marks in the upper margin of the these negatives are due to some kind of light leak in my Konica Autoreflex T4? I put new light seals around the door, but I had trouble getting the delicate foam strips properly positioned in the grooves, so...?

I just put a new roll of film in the camera, so I am reluctant to open the camera for a look. I'm trying to figure out what's going on based on the evidence.

The whole roll shows the same marks from the first frame to the last, although some marks are darker than others. So far, I have only two rolls developed from this camera. The previous roll showed similar marks, but much less distinct.

Film shot in another camera, but developed in the same tank does not have the problem, so I think it happened in the camera. I am trying to figure out if the leak happened once - to the whole roll while it was rolled up. Or if it happened to each frame, maybe as the film was advanced or exposed? The marks are very regular in their spacing, occurring on the third sprocket hole from the left edge of each frame.

It is hard to be sure, but I think I am seeing the dark area extend past the rebate and into the image area(?) - so maybe I should rewind the film that is in camera and open the back?

 

[Paul Howell]

Yeah, same pattern with my T4, next on my list for servicing.

 

[runswithsizzers]

Yeah, same pattern with my T4, next on my list for servicing.

Any idea what needs to be serviced?

 

[shutterfinger]

Open the camera (after removing the film) and place the film on the camera as it will be when exposed, 180° from the posted position or top of image at the bottom of the camera, left/right reversed.
This is likely the hinge seal at the bottom of the hinge at the bottom edge of the back.

 

[runswithsizzers]

Open the camera (after removing the film) and place the film on the camera as it will be when exposed, 180° from the posted position or top of image at the bottom of the camera, left/right reversed.
This is likely the hinge seal at the bottom of the hinge at the bottom edge of the back.

Thanks so much for that. Big help, knowing where to look! So, it is likely that each frame is getting exposed to light while it is in the "gate" right?

 

[shutterfinger]

o, it is likely that each frame is getting exposed to light while it is in the "gate" right?

No, when it first gets to the take up roller/spool.
Another possibility is the back has been pushed too far when loading film resulting in too wide of a bap between the back and body. Check the distance of the back to the body with the back closed at the top and bottom with a caliper of feeler gauges, the gap should be the same.

 

[Paul Howell]

I'll have the seals replaced, the tech will check the back to make sure it is alignment, along with a CLA. My T4's meter is spot on, so it will be in good working order for years to come.

 

[runswithsizzers]

No, when it first gets to the take up roller/spool.
Another possibility is the back has been pushed too far when loading film resulting in too wide of a bap between the back and body. Check the distance of the back to the body with the back closed at the top and bottom with a caliper of feeler gauges, the gap should be the same.

Sure, hinge side, is the takeup side - makes sense.

 

[runswithsizzers]

I'll have the seals replaced, the tech will check the back to make sure it is alignment, along with a CLA. My T4's meter is spot on, so it will be in good working order for years to come.

If you don't mind me asking, who are you going to have do the work?

And what batteries are you using?

 

[runswithsizzers]

Now I am thinking I might send the camera to a repair person, so I can have the meter circuit adapted to modern batteries. I know about Greg Weber in Fremont, Nebraska. Is there anybody else known to do a good job with Konicas?