FED 3: light leaks and shutter issues

<p>Hi everyone,<br /> <br /> I've just bought a FED 3, I'm not sure this is the right section, but since the FED 3 is a rangefinder, I thought I'd post here.<br>

I've developed the first couple of rolls, and while I'm satisfied with the color rendition and the overall quality of the lens, I'm experiencing some problems.<br /> <br /> Here's a photo:<br>

<br /> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://postimage.org/image/2bdkm5138/">postimage.org/image/2bdkm5138/</a><br>

<br /> As you can see, there's a vertical light leak right at the centre of the photo, and an overexposed area on the right hand side of the frame. You can see this latter problem better in this photo:</p>

<p>

<p>At least half the photos I developed show these issues. Is there a way to fix them? They're very annoying, since they ruined lots of otherwise nice photos. <br /> <br /> By the way, I know that the vertical light leak is supposed to be due to the shutter curtains not being exactly aligned on most FED 3s and letting in some light, is there a way to fix this?</p><div></div>

<p>Even now with a new and vastly improved monitor, I really have trouble seeing clearly what you are talking about.</p>

<p>However, what you verbally describe sounds more like a dragging/uneven speed shutter -- a common problem in old focal plane shutters that have been sitting around on a shelf for a long time.</p>

<p>Sometimes you need to clean the shutter mechanism, but often some determined working/exercise of the shutter is all that is needed.</p>

<p>I'd like to point out that the issue is <strong>NOT</strong> in the posted photo (the one with the hills and the guy on the left), but in the linked ones.<br>

As for the shutter issue, yes, it's subtle, and it's hardly noticeable, but still...<br>

Here's a photo where the issue is more evident:<br>

http://postimage.org/image/94v5z8sk/<br>

Look at the bottom portion of the photo, you can see that there is a lighter band, ie. overexposed. It's not a big deal, but if it can be fixed, why not!</p>

<p>As for the light leaks, here are some other photos:<br>

http://postimage.org/image/2f8hraif8/<br>

http://postimage.org/image/2f8l2d7es/<br>

As you can see, the light leak is vertical and it's always in the same spot, right at the centre of the photo.</p>

<p>On a sidenote, I often experience what seem to be like small scratches on the film (as if it gets scratched while winding the shutter), is there a way to avoid this? I've experienced this with all my film cameras (I've also got a Yashica FX-3 and a Canon AE-1), they too are really subtle and hardly noticeable, and easily correctable, but they're there.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>Assuming they are not a result of processing, little scratches on film come from the film passing over the pressure plate at the back of the camera. With film, the subtle "scratches" usually don't show up later on the print, but if you have ones that do, you may have some roughness or grit on the pressure plate.</p>

<p>Light leaks and shutter issues... well, it's an old Fed. There are people who can fix and restore these to good spec, but is it worth it? I used to have a Fed 3. It had similar issues as yours. I threw it away. Unless you deliberately want lomo or holga-like effects, photography is hard enough without having to do it with a bad camera.</p>

<p>Well, actually, the photos which don't show these issues are quite neat, this one especially came out nicely:<br>

A couple of issues on an old camera don't make it useless, light leaks are usually easily fixed, I'm more concerned about the shutter, but still, the issue isn't severe, and it ruins a very narrow band on the side of the photo at most. All I'd like to know is if these issues are easy and cheap to fix, or if I'd be better off buying a new body and keeping the lens (which I like, the Industar 61L/D isn't supposed to be bad anyway, especially considering the cost). Maybe I've chosen the wrong section? I know a FED's not a Leica, but it seems quite capable to me nonetheless.</p>

<p>This is the correct section, Adriano. My guess is that the problem at the edge of the frame can be fixed by cleaning the path of the shutter curtains and setting their tension. I cannot say anything about the light in the middle of the frame except that it may be caused by a curtain pausing in the course of its travel.</p>

<p>The overexposed area at the right side of the frame must have something to do with the shutter brake/anti bounce assembly that lies at the bottom of the camera, under a separate cover.<br>

As for the leak at the center of the frame, it's a shutter issue only if it doesn't extend to, or even over the film perforations. Otherwise it probably originates from somewhere around the take-up spool, where the film rests emulsion side out.</p>

<p>Yes, I see you were talking about the edge of the picture; somehow I got the idea that the problem was in the center, which I still can't see.<br /> Anyhow, I think Mukul and the others are right about the edge being shutter drag or capping. Cleaning/exercise may well eliminate it.</p>

<p>Well , my old fellow FED 3 has the same problem indeed. At lower half of every photo I saw a vertical light leak like yours. I examined my FED 3, the obscura space, curtain and winder. Result was obvious. The left part of the curtain travelled late in contrast to the right side (main shutter curtain) especially in the middle section of frame.I thought there may be some dirt or stain in curtain rail. Cleaned it with paper tissue. Now it serves good , many of the frames at least. The weird thing is that , main curtain not effected by this issue. :( ?</p>