chris_williams19

Hi Tom,

 

The example I have uploaded for this post from my "test" roll, was the worst of the 6 shots that had light leaks and I could probably salvage the others by cropping and whatnot. And I since the Stylus Epic has never been nor ever will be my primary shooter, I don't mind having a bit of a crap shoot for when I am using it; aside from the usual 36 chances per roll. I have my F2's for what I would consider my normal everyday cameras and wanted to bring the Olympus out of retirement for those times as mentioned above when I would be concerned about damaging the F2's.

 

Again, thanks for everyone's thoughts. And who knows, maybe someone will find the magic formula to solving the light leaks!

Hi John,

 

Yes, I did some poking around the interwebs before I posted and didn't find any solutions but also didn't find particular recent posts either. I was hoping someone may have come up with something new; perhaps wishful thinking.

 

Hi Tom,

 

Yes, indeed it is the Stylus Epic Zoom 80. I bought it new but hadn't used it for at 10-15 years and noticed it had this intermittent problem of light leaks. Then with this last roll I was trying to use some kind of scientific method to figure out if there was a pattern to the seemingly random light leaks that appear and then not.

 

I'll definitely try to give it a gentle clean but maybe it's just one of those thing that if I am going to use, know that I'll have light leaks in at least some of the photos. It'll be like a higher end Holga. :)

Heya,

 

I shot this roll specifically at 35mm only because i wanted to see if zooming was causing the issue. I'll see about taking a brush to the barrel to see if that knocks any dirt or grit loose.

 

Thanks!

Hi m42dave,

 

Yes, on this camera you slide open the lens cover and the lens comes out of the body a little. I also zoomed out lens (it's a 35-80 zoom), pop the battery out, then open up the back and take a flashlight to the front and nothing seems to get through, at least obviously.

 

I don't see anything that looks like felt or fabric inside of this lens barrel either. Though if there is supposed to be, that could be the cause of my problem.

 

Thanks!

Hello all,

 

First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this thread and adding your thoughts. I have a Olympus Stylus Epic that I like using when I would be a bit fearful of using a full-fledged SLR camera, like sea kayaking or rock climbing. I have noticed that occasionally, say 5-6 times in a roll of 36, there appears to be a light leak on the film. I have taped off the film viewport on the back and it still happens. I assume it must becoming from the lens or barrel based on the shape and the fact that the light stops at the film edge. I have taken a flashlight to the front and can't find anything obvious.

 

So I have two questions:

1. Can someone confirm (or deny) that this leak from the front lens or barrel?
   
2. If so, as I assume no one is servicing these cameras any more, can someone offer some guidance on how to fix this issue?
   

 

Thank you very much for your time!

 

(Note: the photo is oriented as to how I believe it would be in the camera.)

I would say nearly exclusively. I grew up shooting transparencies and just don't care much for negatives. Not saying they are better or worse, just that I am familiar with and used to transparencies to prefer them. I bought a lot of Ektachrome E100VS after the announcement Kodak was discontinuing the film and kept it in my freezer ever since. I've got about 80-90 rolls left and plan on shooting them until I run out. I am hoping Kodak Alaris sticks with their plan to release another Ektachrome (and fingers crossed, it's akin to the old VS) so that I can continue my E6 habit well into the future. I am also very lucky to have an amazing lab here in Denver to process my E6 film at a VERY reasonable price ($8.95 USD per roll with mounting) and they still have enough business to do 1-2 runs a day.

Looks like the 20th is still available so I'll take today. This was from a recent trip to Zion National Park in Utah. It was shot on Scala 200 and processed by dr5. The camera involved was my Contax IIa using a Nikkor 28mm lens.

<p>Finally gotten the opportunity to take the Contax IIa off the shelf again and wander about town. I wanted to see how the Nikkor 28/3.5 works on the Contax and despite the differences in the helical, I am happy to say that it appears to work for me. Though I didn't shoot anything that was both close up and with the aperture wide open where I am sure some focusing issues will pop up.</p><div></div>

<p>Take 2 on the photo...</p><div></div>

<p>I've been trying to get out more to shoot but a silly thing called work keeps getting in the way. Still coming to terms with the Contax IIa, but slowly getting my brain wrapped around it. This is from a roll I shot with it using Rollei Retro 400S with a post-war Biogon 35mm lens.</p>

<p>Found this post and think I'd better follow it so it can help motivate me to get out shooting more. Nikon F2SB, 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5, Kodak Ektachrome E100VS.</p><div></div>

<p>Paul,<br>

I have been quite happy with Rollei IR 400 for high contrast results and having it processed by dr5. <br>

<a href="/photo/9953831">(example)</a></p>

<p>Well, I for one only shoot only slide film, whether it's color or black and white. I am strictly an amateur when it comes to shooting but I've been shooting film for nearly 4 decades. I guess I use it not because it's better (or not) from other mediums, but rather because it's what I know and I like the consistency. I have slides from my earliest pictures to my last trip 3 months ago. I work in computers for my day job and the idea of spending more time in front of the computer for my hobby doesn't appeal to me. Someday, I might be forced to work only with digital for my photography but until that time, I have some great manual cameras that I enjoy and slide film is what I'll continue to shoot. Your mileage may vary and past results are not indicative of future returns, but hey, it's fun for me.</p>

<p>As far as dr5, I am a regular user of his services for B&W slide work (it helps they're here in Denver and I can drive to drop off and pick up my film). David, who runs the place, can be a bit rough around the edges but I have always gotten great results from his work.</p>

<p>Finally in terms of 35mm color slide film availability, the only folks that are making it these days are Fuji & Rollei/Agfa. Or if you're like me, you have a freezer full of Ektachrome. (-:</p>

<p>I ran across <a href="http://phys.org/news/2014-01-sole-camera-nasa-moon-missions.html">this article</a> from Phys.org and thought the classic camera enthusiasts here would find interesting, though I suspect the camera might be a bit price prohibitive.</p>

<p>Having just returned from that very region, I would take the weather into consideration. It was very rainy when I was there and when it wasn't rainy, it was humid. I found the humidity made long telephoto shots not as crisp as I would have liked them.<br>

I was shooting 35mm film and I found the 35mm-105mm range was the sweet spot given the conditions and the scenery. <br>

Your mileage may vary.</p>

<p>More fantastic shots from a classic camera and lens combination, <strong>Rick</strong>! As <strong>Starvy</strong> mentioned, I too would be interested in seeing what some Velvia would do for the contrast of this lens.<br>

Keep up the great work!</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>What can only (your) photography do?</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p> Remind me of the people I have met and the places I have been.</p>

<p>Have a freezer stuffed with Kodak E100VS which I'll shoot until I can't find anymore. Then it'll be Velvia 100 probably. Also have a fair bit of Rollei IR and some Ilford HP5.</p>

<p><em>"Minty"</em> is a bit like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fnord">fnord</a> to me. I see it but I don't see it. I would be more frightened if <em>"Minty"</em> was replaced with "<em>Minty-fresh <a href="00am6c">Smena</a>"</em>.</p>

<p>I will second <strong>Tony's</strong> comment. If it's anything like my Contax IIa, the knurled grip ring is quite likely to damage your fingernail. Gorgeous camera, but be careful when resetting the frame counter!<br>

Be sure to post some pictures from your Contax IIIa, <strong>Santiago</strong>!</p>

<p>I heard this story the other day about the found photos of Charles W. Cushman on NPR and found it fascinating. And after seeing the photos myself, I am even more enthralled and I wanted to share with the greater Photo.net community.<br>

It's basically about a guy who bought his first roll of colour film in 1938 and then nearly obsessively shot colour pictures for the next 30 years.<br>

<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/09/14/161016597/found-photos-the-1930s-in-full-color">CLICK</a> <br /> <a href="http://www.npr.org/news/specials/2012/cushman/">CLICK</a></p>

<p>Great shots, <strong>Rick</strong>! I love the family picture of all of the Uniomats but the lighting in the Magnolias is just amazing. It really has a feel of a shot taken in the 60s or 70s.<br>

I must admit that with every post you start here, I am reminded of the Jack Nicholson line from Batman, "where does he get those wonderful toys." <br>

Thanks again for sharing!</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Yes, life is a desire and right now I desire meaning. Can I achieve that with my camera?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Let me put it this way... for more years than I care to think about, I've worked in computers. I had a difficult time explaining to my friends and family what I did for a living, much less my bosses. I find that with photography, I have (with film at least) something tactile, something to show people... I made this.<br /> And while I didn't create the environment or the landscape or the people or even the situation -- I captured the moment. And to me, that's something.</p>

<p>There's something about the red bellows and the gorgeous wood grain... takes my breath away. A beautiful work of art.<br>

Now... where are the pictures from that lovely camera? :)</p>

<p>These are fantastic, <strong>Chris</strong>. Are these in anyway related to your previous post? (<a href="../classic-cameras-forum/00alhF">link</a>)<br /> If so, I think you have some pictures that are of historical value. Amazing... Thanks for posting!</p>