I have an 11x14 Empire State Camera No. 1 with light leaks on most of the negatives. The camera is wood, about 100 years old and in fine condition. After a bit of investigation with removing the back and inserting film holders I found the source of the leaks. Light enters through very thin gaps between the plane of the film holder and the wooden back under the ground glass frame. The light traps in the wooden back are ineffective at blocking light coming around the right angle inside corners on the periphery of the film holder. This is evidenced with a flashlight on the outside frame edge and looking at the inside film plane. This matches with the light streaks and fog patterns on the negatives.
My idea is to stick strips of black felt on the back all around the edge under where the film holder is located. This might seal the thin gaps where light leaks in. The added small distance from the lens should be negated because the ground glass frame will rest on the same felt lined plane as the film holder. Painting the inside light trap surfaces black would also help if the felt does not completely solve the leaks.
Does anyone have experience fixing light leaks with strips of felt? Any recommendations on felt material?
Bookmarks