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Thread: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

  1. #1

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    Gary

    35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    Hello,

    I would be interested in comments on this picture. I seem to be getting quite a few like this. I am sure it is the photographer and not the camera. I seem to remember that the sun was off to the left and slightly behind. I am using a Praktica 35mm SLR camera.

    Thanks

    Gary

    35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

  2. #2

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    Allan Short

    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    I could very well be wrong, and if I am I will have learned something new. I believe if I remember correctly that the shutter on a Parktica moves sideways, so I think you have a shutter problem. I use to have one many years ago and I seem to remember it started to give me the same problem. Nice little camera, that was over 40 years ago.

  3. #3

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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    Hello Allan,

    I think what you say makes sense. As I do remember being careful because of the sun. Its a bit annoying as I have just started to take photos again. It looks like it might come to a temporary halt. But, I did revive the camera after it had not been used for at least 20 years so I guess I can't really complain too much.

    The problem is not happening on all the shots but is occurring with enough regularity as to suggest a problem with it.

    Just to add more detail the actual model is a Praktica Super TL-3

    Thanks

    Cheers for now

    Gary
    Last edited by oldgreygary; 27th December 2011 at 02:22 PM.

  4. #4
    steve40's Avatar
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    Steve Owen

    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    This looks more like light leaks, around the camera back. Due to the felt deteriorating, over the past 40 years. I could be wrong, but I bet not!.

  5. #5

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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    These two images are from the same roll of film. One is ok and the other has the same problem. I presume either shutter or light leak issue can be intermittent? With a possibility that it will lead to complete failure?

    Thanks

    Gary

    35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

  6. #6
    steve40's Avatar
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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    I will admit, I have never had a focal plane shutter to fail, or as I recall ever seen the evidence of one failing. But it still looks like light leaks, this I have had, and seen. Look in the camera where the back seals at the edges of the body, and see what shape the felt is in. If it looks slick, and worn, or is peeling off, this is probably your trouble. And can be intermittent, depending on the direction the light is coming from.

  7. #7

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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    Hello Steve,

    Thanks for your replies. I have had a look inside the camera. There looks like there is an area near the hinge that has a piece of what looks like a thin strip which could be attached to a piece of foam. There is no foam there at all. There does appear to be evidence of small crumb like pieces. So, I guess the foam has deteriorated and well, basically does not exist anymore! I will have to see what's available to do a repair and if it's cost effective. Out of interest, when you had the same problem did you repair it yourself or send it away for fixing?

    I was thinking of doing a test and seal with something like duck tape as a temp. measure to see if that cured the problem? Worth trying?

    Cheers for now

    Gary

  8. #8
    steve40's Avatar
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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    The camera I had the light leaks problem with was old, and not really worth repairing. So it was retired. I would think! if the rest of the cameras condition warranted it, the repair should be feasible, and not too expensive. There are several local camera repair shops near me, perhaps you have the same circumstance. If so, you could get an estimate on repairing the camera. The duck tape thing near that hinge, might be a possible Tell.

  9. #9

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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    Hello,

    The original diagnosis has come true. The shutter stuck this morning and the film wind on lever is not functioning. When I look through the viewfinder it is covered. So, it looks like the old Praktica is heading for the scrapheap! As I don't think it will be worth the repair costs.That is a bit annoying as my brief comeback to photography has now been halted!! However, I have found a Nikon F50 for well, not quite peanuts but pretty close! It just needs a battery and a lens. If anyone can offer any thoughts on a lens for it (looking for general purpose, secondhand, budget very limited!) so I can continue my photographic journey. Thanks!

    Cheers for now

    Gary

  10. #10
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    Ian

    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    Oh the joys of cellulose. Light leaks. Film advance. It takes me back.

    We still have problems with modern cameras, just different ones.

    The good thing for you Gary is that virtually everything to do with film is now an absolute steal as so few use it. So you are right you can pick up decent kit for next to nothing.

    Advice on a lens..go for a 50mm general purpose. They are usually cheap but unless you are doing something specialised, will cover most bases. I even used my 50mm for some years after going digi and still have one in the kit bag even now.

  11. #11

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    Re: 35mm print, is this down to lens flare?

    Just to update this post. I think that the two problems highlighted by Steve and Allan exist in this camera. I mentioned in a previous post how the shutter got stuck. Well, it did free itself by me pressing the shutter release and cranking the film on a couple of times (wasting precious film!). I did cure(?) the light leak issue by using the bottom half of the camera case (it screws into the bottom of the camera) and then padding it with felt. I managed to take some more pictures which didn't show any of the light leak problems. But, I think all the signs are there that I cannot rely on the camera anymore. I will have to think about it.

    Cheers for now

    Gary

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