light leaks

[mehguy]

so if you were to have a camera that has no light seals, would light leaks be a problem? ive had a rolleiflex sl35 for the longest time with no light seals in it and there isnt one light leak.

 

[mehguy]

damn i put it in the wrong topic. someone could move this to the 35mm thread?

 

[Truzi]

If the camera is supposed to have them, yes, I would put them in, because you never know when it may be a problem.

My Sears KS-2 had degraded light seals, probably for years. On a vacation I pulled off the half-case to reload on a sunny mountain, and did not put it back on because I knew I'd go through a few rolls rather quickly. The case covered all areas that formerly had light seals. When I had the film processed I discovered the leaks. Nothing was completely ruined, but there are many shots on three rolls with lines through them.

So, even if you've not had problems, you might find yourself in a situation where light works its way in.

 

[DWThomas]

Over the years there have been cameras with a sort of labyrinth closing -- edges that sink into grooves -- that don't need seals. The question would be whether the camera in question was designed to need seals. Otherwise, the effects of typical light leaks are quite variable depending on ambient light intensity, angle of illumination, and even how fast you run the film through the camera. As Truzi says you'll be taking a chance if you don't replace any that are supposed to be there. (And trust me, when light leaks are intermittent they always seem to hit that best shot on the roll! :confused: )