muir
Newbie
I've had his problem a couple of times. Some exposed films (although not all) have not been tightly wound on. so when you finish a roll and open the back, the film can get a bit of light leakage around the edges. I've had it repaired before and was alright - but just got it back from repairers and it's doing it again... also does anyone know any decent repair shops that could handle this around the London, UK? Any pearls of wisdom gratefully received...
Dougg
Seasoned Member
Welcome to RFF! There is a "brake" built into the supply-side film reel lug... at the top of the film supply chamber, that chrome lug that engages the slotted hole at the end of the reel. Try to rotate that with your finger and assess the amount of resistance it has to rotation. Without a film reel in place, the lug should be noticeably stiff in rotation. If it seems to rotate freely, there's something wrong with the brake. The brake's job is to tension the film as it's wound-on and promote a tight wrap.
In addition, both the supply-side chamber and the film takeup chamber have chrome springs with a small roller to press against the film and help prevent it loosening on the reel. You could examine these to make sure they're not damaged, and will press lightly against the roll.
Finally, not fully trusting the camera to get the film wrapping tightly around the takeup reel at the start, it's a good idea with any roll-film camera to let your thumb rest against the fresh film roll as you get the paper leader started, providing extra resistance so that the initial wrap will be tight. A tight start helps ending up with a tidy finish with the trailing backing paper still well within the reel ends and no light penetration at that stage.
In addition, both the supply-side chamber and the film takeup chamber have chrome springs with a small roller to press against the film and help prevent it loosening on the reel. You could examine these to make sure they're not damaged, and will press lightly against the roll.
Finally, not fully trusting the camera to get the film wrapping tightly around the takeup reel at the start, it's a good idea with any roll-film camera to let your thumb rest against the fresh film roll as you get the paper leader started, providing extra resistance so that the initial wrap will be tight. A tight start helps ending up with a tidy finish with the trailing backing paper still well within the reel ends and no light penetration at that stage.
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