Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11

Thread: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Apr 2021
    Location
    Netherlands
    Posts
    23

    Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    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
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails CS1 Sthlm.jpg   CS2 Nkoping.jpg  

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    832

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    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.

  3. #3
    ic-racer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    6,737

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

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

  4. #4
    wclark5179's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Minnetonka, Minnesota
    Posts
    137

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    Place to order light trap seals for Hasselblad:

    https://dickwernerhassystore.com/

  5. #5

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    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.

  6. #6
    wclark5179's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Minnetonka, Minnesota
    Posts
    137

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    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.

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,908

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    Quote Originally Posted by wclark5179 View Post
    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.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Newbury, Vermont
    Posts
    2,261

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    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.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Location
    West Coast
    Posts
    2,132

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    Quote Originally Posted by wclark5179 View Post
    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.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    San Francisco
    Posts
    382

    Re: Lightleak: from where + what to do?

    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.
    Bill Poole

    "Speak softly, but carry a big camera."

Similar Threads

  1. Lightleak or development issue?
    By howlingsun in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 15-Aug-2019, 13:11
  2. 4x5 Black-and-White fogging/develpment/lightleak issue
    By Chester McCheeserton in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 4-Sep-2016, 13:44

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •