Nikon F6 Light Leak

Born2Late · Mar 21, 2018

Hi All:

I have a Nikon F6 that I purchased new in December. I am getting a vertical dark band on quite a few negatives. For the life of me it looks like a light leak. I've only seen them on 400 speed film (HP5+) and they are always the same size (about 1/8" wide) and in the exact same place, but the density varies. I strongly suspect that it has to do with the "Film Confirmation Window". The only thing I can think of is that the foam light seal around it is not making good contact with the film cartridge and when back of the camera is facing strong light it is fogging the film in that area.

Have any of you had this experience?

Thanks.

Billy Axeman · Mar 21, 2018

I almost exclusively shoot HP5+ with the F6 for more than a year and I have not seen the slightest leak. The film cartridge has a very tight fit in the compartment actually, with two additional springs to keep it in place: one in the cartridge compartment, and one around the seal on the door.

Perhaps one of the springs is out of place or bent. The spring in the compartment must have a clearance to the side of 3 mm. The spring around the seal must have a clearance of about 6 mm to the door.

Eric Rose · Mar 21, 2018

If it's new take it back.

Born2Late · Mar 21, 2018

Eric Rose said:
If it's new take it back.

It isn't new enough (December). I just sent an inquiry to Nikon a few minutes ago.

John Koehrer · Mar 21, 2018

Got an image of the negatives?

Born2Late · Mar 21, 2018

John Koehrer said:
Got an image of the negatives?

Here is an example.

Born2Late · Mar 21, 2018

As a follow up; I shot a roll of T-Max 400 today. Most of the shots were taken from inside through open doors or window (we had a lot of snow), but one taken outside exhibits the same problem, not as pronounced but there.

Craig · Mar 21, 2018

Is it just in the image area, or across the entire film width into the sprockets? Have you tried shooting with different lenses?

Born2Late · Mar 21, 2018

Craig said:
Is it just in the image area, or across the entire film width into the sprockets? Have you tried shooting with different lenses?

It covers the entire width of the film, sprocket holes and all. As best as I can tell, it shows up when the is a strong light coming from behind the camera.

shutterfinger · Mar 21, 2018

Put some opaque tape over the film window in the back and shoot another roll outside with the sun to the window side of the back, then the hinge side.
Go for texture in the snow without blank shadows. Those windows were a problem from the day they were introduced.

Edit: There's one other possibility, light reflecting through the eyepiece but that type of fogging usually does not form a line or bar across the film.

MultiFormat Shooter · Mar 22, 2018

Born2Late said:
It isn't new enough (December). I just sent an inquiry to Nikon a few minutes ago.

It should have a 1-year warranty from Nikon.

zanxion72 · Mar 22, 2018

Are you using reloadable film canisters? It could be lip fog. Is it always at the same place on every frame?
Lip fog would be at the first few frames of the roll.

Born2Late · Mar 22, 2018

zanxion72 said:
Are you using reloadable film canisters? It could be lip fog. Is it always at the same place on every frame?
Lip fog would be at the first few frames of the roll.

It occurs in reloads and factory throughout the roll. It is always in the exact same position to the frame, which would not be the case for lip fog.

zanxion72 · Mar 22, 2018

Indeed! Have it checked by Nikon. At least where I am they have excellent and fast service.

Huss · Mar 22, 2018

Nikon service is very good. In Los Angeles they fixed the AF on my F6 in 4 business days.

Born2Late · Mar 22, 2018

zanxion72 said:
Indeed! Have it checked by Nikon. At least where I am they have excellent and fast service.

I sent them an email message but haven't received a response yet. In the mean time I put tape over the window and shot a roll in bright sunlight as a test.

BMbikerider · Mar 22, 2018

My F6 is around 10 years old and never a light leak anywhere.

Nikon F6 Light Leak

Attachments

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency