DennisG
Hi forum members,
Yesterday I conducted the development of my first black-and-white film myself to see if my newly acquired Mamiya RB67 is in good working order.
After the development, I noticed rectangular dark spots on three of the negatives. I developed a 120 Ilford HP5 400 roll using Adox Rodinal. All three images were taken in completely different lighting conditions.
The only thing I noticed is that, no matter how I place the negative in the Paterson tank spool, a narrow section (the leading edge) always rests on top of the film or touches it at the top.
Otherwise, I followed the development instructions exactly. On top of that, I have a purple fog on the film (probably not fixed properly?)
Maybe one of you can help me figure out what’s causing these little issues. Cheers?
Dennis
Morte
It looks as though light is getting into the camera. Have a look at the light seals to see if they’re still there, and whether they’re crumbly, greasy, etc.
highscore
Hi
I
I’d also put my money on the light seals
I’ve replaced the light seals on my RB67 too.
You can find them on eBay.
Or you could cut the material to size yourself – that’s what I did.
It’s all quite simple!
I don’t think the rotating frame is affected.
If you tape that up and take some new photos, you should be able to tell for sure.
I’d still replace them all, though – then you’ll be sorted for a long time. And it’s easy to do.
The seals on the film cassettes could also be the issue in this case. They’re easy to replace too.
My guess here is the hinge on the interchangeable cassettes.
If you find nothing but crumpled gunk there, you may have found the source of your problem.
You can test this by masking it off as well.
Even so, I’d also replace the seals on the cassette(s).
Regards
highscore
Wolfgg
For medium-format cameras, flat black shoelaces work well as a light seal. They’re cheap and last forever.
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Best regards, Wolfgang
DennisG
Hi, thanks so much for the great tips. I know this might be a silly question, but where exactly are the lens seals on the RB67? (I’ve been a bit spoilt as a digital photographer up until now.) Many thanks to you all. €
DennisG
Hi, thanks so much for the useful tips. I know this might be a silly question, but where exactly are the light seals on the RB67? (I’ve been a bit spoilt as a digital photographer up until now.) Many thanks to you all.
highscore
when I think about it later.
I’ll take my RB apart
and take photos of the different parts for you.
DennisG
Oh yes, that would be brilliant, thank you very much
highscore
2 seals on the camera/rotating frame side (first photo)
4 seals on the magazine cover (photos 2–4)
4 on the insert (photo 5), stuck around the corners
DennisG
@highscore, thank you so much. I’ll definitely have a look at it today as soon as the film is full (so maybe tomorrow as well) and replace it if necessary.
Does anyone else here perhaps know of a reliable source where I can buy accessories (colour filters, lenses, etc.)? I received a parcel from eBay Classifieds today and, lo and behold, I’d been had. Well, that’s a shame. I’d be grateful for any tips here too. Best wishes, Dennis
highscore
I’ve bought almost all my cameras (MAMIYA) from eBay.
I try to separate the wheat from the chaff by reading the listings carefully and looking at the photos.
I seem to be quite good at it.
After all, I’ve been genuinely dissatisfied with less than 5% of my purchases, I’d say.
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And that was just two weeks ago with an AGFA camera.
€
And reputable specialist retailers have become very rare, or have already gone out of business!
