Odd Fringe Issue - Leica M2 (Photos Included)

[appletree]

Hi there,
Do not post here often...mostly lounge around The Large Format Photography forum. But alas, I have had an "issue" with my M2 for many years. Very common, nearly every image has a bit of ruggedness to the top (or side) edge and a distinct debris pattern. I cannot figure out if it is from my body or 50mm DR Summicron or what?

The edge with the problem is usually cropped out entirely (only what seems to be <3% of the image) and then I go back and spot heal the other areas. Been doing it this way for years.

Any ideas what it could be are appreciated. Thanks.

Regards,
Austin

 

[nanthor]

Should be some junk hanging on or attached to the edge of the rear film gate, maybe too small to see without reading/mag glasses? Just brainstorming based on the sharp edges and black silhouette. The one large chunk near the edge would be on the bottom right edge of the film gate. (if that's the problem) Bob.

 

[onre]

It is in focus, so it must be something on the film gate. As the picture hits the film upside down, the offending piece will be on the lower edge of the film gate. It is quite possible that you need to load a film and wind it a bit to have it "pop up".

 

[appletree]

Ah, both great information and ideas. Yeah I have only tried cleaning and looking with the naked eye. Forgot it would be inverse (so, need to look on bottom right). Additionally, good idea to look at it not just when it is empty. I will check tonight and update the thread if I can find the culprit. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Huss]

I had something very similar with my Leica If, and I needed a magnifying glass to see a tiny tiny thread on the film gate that was causing it.

 

[appletree]

I am halfway through a roll of film, but plan to try and burn through it before I leave the country in two days (so my camera won't have film in it in case someone wants to open it up). Once I do that, I will take a look inside with a magnifying glass. Thanks again.