Yet more mysteries...bring it Holmsies...

So, here again at the University lab as the lab assistant. Can't figure out what these are from or how these could've happened.

This one is one of a contact sheet, and only in a few frames did it do this, but the sprocket holes had a little white ghost. Yeah, it didn't affect the actual frame, but I was wondering what would've caused that.

And then this one is the one I have no clue what could've happened. This was on her negatives, flashing over every 4? frames...it wasn't consistent though. I'm not sure it could've been something with her camera, because it affected also the sprocket-hole area and the other frames were fine. I asked her and she said there was absolutely no light there except for the dark-room clocks. There are no light-leaks in the room, she didn't use a cell-phone or anything. The only thing that "went wrong" was that she had to re-spool it once, but it wouldn't do this.

Any ideas?

Looks like a light leak in the camera to me.

The fact that it seems synchronized with the frames makes me think it could be a leaky light seal at the opening end, or even hinge end for that matter, of the camera back. Light is probably hitting the film either before or after the actual exposure film gate. Effects will vary depending on intensity, angle and duration of light hitting the critical area of the camera. She could experiment with putting black electrical tape (or gaffer's tape if available) over the joints where the back meets the body. Unless the camera was sitting a long time between exposures, I suspect the culprit seal(s) are bad enough it will be obvious just from inspection.

And that left frame in that first shot does in fact appear to have a fuzzy vertical bar all the way down the frame.

DaveT

Dear tkmusgrave,

As above, it is a light leak. Having purchased several used camera bodies over the last few years I find an easy test to see where it is coming from is to save a portion of one roll just to test the light leak. Load the film and advance a few frames. Make one exposure and do not advance the film. Put the camera in the sun for an hour or so with the back towards the light. Advance a few more frames without exposing and you will be able to lay the film back in place once developed. After leaving the camera out in the sun, I use a roll of 1/4" wide black masking tape around the openings once the test is done to protect the remaining images, along with the test area. (You never know when you'll get a great shot and I hate it when they are ruined!)

Neal Wydra

Thanks so much! We'll post 'em up as examples...and test out that camera. Many thanks for the help!

I would say it is the film touching after loading on the reel.