The Zen of Light Leaks

I find myself in the odd position of deciding when/if I will replace a camera’s light seals.  The question seems simple— and it is, if you have only a few cameras.  However, the VMLP has made the issue of when/if to replace light seals one for debate.   I have a lot of cameras—far too many to take the time to replace the light seals in all of them.  Some I use often, and some I have only used a few times in the last five years.  Most of the time, I never know which I will use next.

At one point, I tried designating favorites and servicing those—that didn’t work very long.    I put a Maxxum 7 out to use for testing lenses, but I have not used it once since prepping it.   Instead, I grabbed a Maxxum 7000 each time—because…who knows???

I test every camera when it arrives, shooting 6-10 frames.  If the camera has a meter, I try different light scenarios (indoor window light, indoor low light, outdoor shade, outdoor sun, etc.).  This has been my process for the last five years and has helped me avoid paying for supposedly “working” eBay purchases.  Only one has had a light leak on arrival.   The images shown here have light leaks from cameras I have used more than a few times.  They are a surprise.

The other reason seals are not being replaced is that I have at least two copies of most cameras.  I can always use the one with good seals.   To make matters worse, I bought light seal kits and additional materials and tools, but using the camera with good seals is faster.   If you’re thinking that when both cameras of the same model have bad seals, I would take the time to replace them—Nope.  I grab a different model.

I feel bad about this as if I’m neglecting my camera companions.  But consider this—how do I choose which camera to replace first?  What criteria would I use?  See— it’s complicated.

Recently, wanting to test my MD 24-35mm lens using an X-700, I got the X-700 out, thinking it would be good to replace the seals.  After considering how much time it would take to replace the seals,  I grabbed a roll of black tape—problem solved.    The tape worked well and took all of 10 minutes to apply.   Maybe I’ll replace the seals next week. But then again, when is the next time I’ll be using the X-700?

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