Attached are four JPEG images of FP4+ 5x4 negs captured on a Wista 45DX with a Symmar-S 150mm f5.6 lens at f22. Developed in Ilfotec HC 1:47 in a Stearman Press SP-445 tank.
To me they each show a light leak in the same position each time.
The camera is relatively new so bellows should be light tight. The sheets came from three different film holders.
I would welcome comments as to the cause.
Thanks
Check the camera for light leaks.
Almost looks as if the bed of the camera (if it is a folding one like a Linhof Technika) is showing in the last image
best,
Cor
Not a folding bed on the Wista 45DX but thanks for the replyOriginally Posted by Cor
For testing purposes I would replicate the same conditions . . . sun angle, camera orientation, etc; Cover the back of the camera with a dark cloth before pulling the dark side out, and the problem will probably vanish (ie; pull the dark side with the film holder under the cloth). I'm guessing this occurred with multiple holders, suggesting a camera back leak or bellows leak near the top of the camera.
Finding a leak is perty easy by putting white paper in the film holder, removing the lens board from the camera and using a bright light move it around the area (outside the camera) where the light leak is suspected. You need to do this in complete darkness while looking into the lens board end of the camera. It may take time for you eyes to adjust to the darkness. Eventually you should see the leak bouncing around on the white paper inside the camera. (hope that makes sense).
Time for the flashlight test for light leaks in your camera...Try it first with a holder in the camera, flashlight thru the lens opening -- then reverse that to check the light tightness of your lens board (lens on, flashlight thru the back of the camera).
"Landscapes exist in the material world yet soar in the realms of the spirit..." Tsung Ping, 5th Century China
I had something similar a while back with my Toyo 810M. Check the bellows for pinholes even if they look new or perfect. Darkened room and small bright light source. Mine had loads, so I replaced them via custom bellows UK.
Also check to spring back for bad light seals, warpage, weak springs, etc.
Check all of the above plus how your film holders seat in the indentations in the camera back. Make sure they are seating properly. Make sure you are not pulling the spring back away from the camera body when pulling/inserting the darkslide.
The size and consistency of the light-strikes should make this easy to find. I assume that this is all from different holders, but if not, check the holder for leaks as well.
Do report back - I'm curious
Doremus
What makes me think, pinhole, has to do with how the flare spreads as the bellows are extended, as in the closer photo shown in the final negative.
In my case, I did some portraits with various lens focal lengths and the flare was most widely spread with greater extension of the bellows.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks