Lightleak: from where + what to do?

[AnetteB]

Hello everyone, I know this is a large format forum, and I do photograph LF, but also MF. My Q now concerns recent problems with my HB 503. Lightleaks. Have not had them before. Developed 2 films today, and of these 24 pics, I have less than a handful without these light leaks (the first 2-3 on the film, attached in CS1). Last time I used the camera, a couple of months ago, I had only a couple of pics with this and thought it was flare (CS2). I am new at developing film myself - but I presume that if I did something wrong with the transfer of film to the tank or handling of the tank or if the tent leaks all of a sudden, all pictures would have been completely ruined.
Facts: HB 503CW, TMAX 100 film, TMAX developer, Paterson tank (first time I used this tank).
Any ideas where the problem lies? Or should I simply send it for repairs?
Greetings from The Hague.
Anette

[Neal Chaves]

Looks to me as though it was hit with a light leak in the tank, right down the center of the reel. Inspect the light seal in the lid of the tank you used.

[ic-racer]

HB is Hasselblad? In that case your dark slide comes in from the same side as your light leak. Might want to check there.

[wclark5179]

Place to order light trap seals for Hasselblad:

https://dickwernerhassystore.com/

[Conrad . Marvin]

I got these light leaks in two of my Hassy film backs, had um fixed and sold the camera. Bought a LF camera and never looked back.

[wclark5179]

Haven’t had light leaks. I use the dark slide only when changing backs, otherwise I leave them out so as not to compress the gasket, which can cause light leaks. Some of my Hasselblad cameras go back to the 1960’s.

[Jim Noel]

Haven’t had light leaks. I use the dark slide only when changing backs, otherwise I leave them out so as not to compress the gasket, which can cause light leaks. Some of my Hasselblad cameras go back to the 1960’s.

Neat idea. I think I'll replace mine and try your method.

[John Layton]

A bit primitive...but you can also try (after removing the dark slide) wrapping black electrical tape around the entire circumference of a Hasselblad back - covering the joint between the back and camera body.

[paulbarden]

Haven’t had light leaks. I use the dark slide only when changing backs, otherwise I leave them out so as not to compress the gasket, which can cause light leaks. Some of my Hasselblad cameras go back to the 1960’s.

That's exactly what I do as well. Gone is the need to replace the traps every 12-18 months.

[Bill Poole]

But the dark slide also locks the shutter release, right? I guess you just take the chance of an errant exposure; or, alternately, you only wind on the next exposure when you're ready to shoot. I have two backs I have been using for years with the dark slides in and out multiple times a day. Having heard of this issue, I bought replacement seals to have on hand years ago, but have never had to use them. Not sure why. I've had plenty of body issues, but backs? Not yet.

[wclark5179]

Hi Bill,

After I take the photograph, I don’t wind the shutter until I’m ready to set up to take another photograph.