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View Full Version : Help: Wista 6x9 Sliding Back Light Leaks



SeanEsopenko
28-Oct-2010, 15:56
I've been getting light leaks on my roll-film 6x9 back. here are some examples:

http://www.seanesopenko.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/img072.jpg
http://www.seanesopenko.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/img070.jpg

When I look at the film, it's practically on the same spot every time. The last two frames never really have light leaks directly on them. This time around, the 2nd last one had the light leak on the very top of the frame, just along the imaging area's edge. The last frame shot had zero light leaks whatsoever.

It's a sliding back so I suspected leaks in the parts that contact each other as it slides. I wrapped the camera in my film changing bag before pulling the dark slide for the back and left the bag on until done shooting and the darkslide was back in place. It didn't really help. I've shot 3 rolls with this back and in every case the last couple shots don't get light leaks but the rest do. I'd like to get a better idea about what's causing it before I take it apart or anything drastic like that.

Any advice on where it could be happening? This is what I'm using:
http://i.imgur.com/uO76m.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TTIqx.jpg

Gem Singer
28-Oct-2010, 16:46
Check the light seals on the roll film back.

I've had similar leakage on a Mamiya camera around the film loading door in the back.

These are usually made of black foam plastic, and they wear out with age.

Fairly easy to replace.

Bob Salomon
28-Oct-2010, 20:07
Wista USA service center is 252-652-4401. Give them a call and ask.

SeanEsopenko
29-Oct-2010, 09:11
Check the light seals on the roll film back.

I've had similar leakage on a Mamiya camera around the film loading door in the back.

These are usually made of black foam plastic, and they wear out with age.

Fairly easy to replace.

Thanks for the point in another direction. After googling for a while it sounds like the actual film holder component might be the culprit and not the sliding back. I have a roll of film in there right now that I don't really want to throw away so I'm going to give up one exposure and inspect how far exactly I have to pull out the dark slide. Using a marker to mark that point on the slide I'll know how far I need to pull out the darkslide without pulling it right out.


Wista USA service center is 252-652-4401. Give them a call and ask.

Thanks for the contact information. When the current roll's finished I'll give the roll film component a good inspection then call Wista if I haven't figured it out on my own.