Porst CR5 = Fujica AX-3

[q.photo]

Dear forum,

I am new here and hoping to get some help regarding my two Porst CR5 / Fujica AX-3 film cameras. I am in posession of two bodies, both used by different pre-owners but no noticeable damage to them. Both cameras seem to have the same problem - or, as I cannot find any problems with them, it might be a user error

I´d like to show you some scans:

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Do you have any idea where the overexposed parts in the picture could come from? They look very similar in many pictures. They are not visible on every exposure / picture of a film, nor in any order. They are visible on complete dark exposures with the lens cap on or even on exposures without a lens on the body. I tried to tape both bodies - so every light leak should have been closed - still overexposed parts.

Also, the films might be the problem - but I´ve tried some different makes, I just don´t find the reason - thats why I am looking for help here.
I am thankful for any idea how to solve the issue!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You've got light leaks, and from the pattern, I'd guess it is coming from the hinge side of the door of the camera. Strange you would have this one two different bodies, but they are from the same era, and they probably have the same foam light seals that tend to deteriorate, and they need to be replaced periodically.

 

[q.photo]

Dear David,

thanks for your quick reply! Yes, that´s what I´ve assumed. Thats why I wrapped all possible light leaks, especially the door with removable tape - and got the same results. Might there be an other explanation or any source of light I might have missed out?

I´ll also look for a new kit of foam seals, thanks for the hint and your time!

 

[Vonder]

My experience with the AX-3 is that they are the worst-made camera in the entire history of 35mm cameras. I have, over the years, acquired several of them (at least 5) and they are all sitting in my junk camera box for various maladies. While this may indeed be as simple as a light leak, I'd still pitch them and get the STX-2, the only reliable body that takes the Fuji AX mount.

YMMV

 

[John Koehrer]

Could be an internal light leak from something like a missing screw.
Load a strip of negatives in the camera. Line up the image with the mask & check for a hole or even a window to another dimension.
After returning from the other dimension check the area around the take up spool pretty closely too.

These are SWAGS but other cameras have had similar mysteries and the reasons can be a bit weird.

 

[q.photo]

My experience with the AX-3 is that they are the worst-made camera in the entire history of 35mm cameras. I have, over the years, acquired several of them (at least 5) and they are all sitting in my junk camera box for various maladies. While this may indeed be as simple as a light leak, I'd still pitch them and get the STX-2, the only reliable body that takes the Fuji AX mount.

YMMV

Thats one solid piece of advice here Thanks for the hint with the stx-2, I will keep an eye out as I´ve got some Fuji AX lenses lying around.

Could be an internal light leak from something like a missing screw.
Load a strip of negatives in the camera. Line up the image with the mask & check for a hole or even a window to another dimension.
After returning from the other dimension check the area around the take up spool pretty closely too.

These are SWAGS but other cameras have had similar mysteries and the reasons can be a bit weird.

Yes, there must be a light leak to another dimension in there - I´ve also thought of that one. I´ll let you know what kind of picture making devices they use in the other dimension when I return from my travels through Fujicasphere!
The spool may actually be the last possible source of light - I didn´t tape it like the rest of the body.

Thanks for your advice!