Contax T, anyone?

[micromoogman]

it should be up left in the picture... I don't know why this is showing that the light is coming from top right... I'll check the other negs.

[kram]

My light leak is worse than yours (gulp), bit in the same position. Weird thing is, the sprocket hole shows light leak, but the thin bit of film between the sprocket and edge of the film (2-3mm) is clear. Some of the foam is missing in the top section of the camera. I will try and replace that.
Wife wanted new TV and for me to sort out the roof aerial today (pure joy - I hate working at height). Both TV roof aerials now in the roof, rather than on it (they have boasted the TV signal in the last year). One TV (the new one OK). The main house TV, nor so - need a new signal boaster by the looks of things. Hopefully will give it a go at fixing the seal monday or Tuesday night).

[efix]

Just finished scanning a first test-roll of cheap generic drug store ISO 200 colour negative film -- camera seems to be working fine, and it looks as though that little Sonnar is (theoretically) cabaple of producinig some outstanding results.

Only problem has been with getting the colours right in those darn scans ... next time I'll either have prints made, or use slide film right away. Anyway, here are some shots that turned out halfway decent. No artistic value whatsoever, just test shots to see if everything works as it should.

[kram]

OK folks- here's the latest. The foam around the film canister area had been removed, but the source of light on the negative (bottom left of photo) suggested top right on the camera back (underneath the film wind on lever). Sure enough the foam was missing down to the bear metal. Spent 1 hour completely removing foam (used cut down cocktail sticks). Have replace all back foam seal with new replacement camera foam material. Reloaded film and will report back.

[efix]

Some more, this time on a different cheap drugstore 200 ISO film. These turned out a little better in terms of colour. Not sure if it's my processing, the scanner software, or the actual emulsion.


The apple tree in our garden.


Once more.


In the car.


Self portrait in a blue tinted window. This is what was left in terms of colour and contrast after removing the blue tint.


Elderly lady with dog.


I really like this shot, but what's that dreadful line?

What a superb little camera -- I'm totally in love with it! Small and pocketable, unobtrusive, quiet, and a truly wonderful little lens! Just running a roll of Velvia 50 through it, can't wait for the results

[micromoogman]

Originally Posted by kram

OK folks- here's the latest. The foam around the film canister area had been removed, but the source of light on the negative (bottom left of photo) suggested top right on the camera back (underneath the film wind on lever). Sure enough the foam was missing down to the bear metal. Spent 1 hour completely removing foam (used cut down cocktail sticks). Have replace all back foam seal with new replacement camera foam material. Reloaded film and will report back.

OK, I know that I have a seal there, the condition might be inadequate though. I haven't done anything yet to mine except shooting a roll with taped body.

[HoodedOne]

F074-035.jpg by HoodedOne, on Flickr

I have a Contax-T for a couple of months now. And I love this little camera. The shot above is from one of the first rolls I shot with it.

[micromoogman]

So I have just developed a roll of Tri-x with the taped camera back, and alas the light leak is still there! The whole upper part of the body was taped with black tape. So either the leak is coming from below, battery or tripod mount, or from the lens assembly. Next step will be to shoot a roll with the whole bottom of camera taped. The seal by the film canister might also be the source of fault. So I'm eagerly waiting for kram's results.

[efix]

Please keep us updated, guys!

[emraphoto]

I have long been on the lookout for a black version. Really interested in shooting one!

[kram]

Got my second film back today, first part of film shot as it was, second part with replacement foam. Kodax 125px. I am goig to use up my 35mm stock before I order any more. Have now put my usual compact camera B+W film in the T, Ilford XP2 Super.

[efix]

Originally Posted by kram

Good the film back today, first part of film shot as it was, second part with replacement foam.

That looks good! Glad your T is in working order again!

[micromoogman]

I was not lucky. Second roll with taped bottom plate also has light leaks. So if the light is not coming from the camera back, where does it come from? It could be the foam where the film canister sits, like kram's, but I don't understand where the light source is coming from...

[sleepyhead]

Hi Micromoogman, bummer about the light leak.

I don't have my Contax T in front of me right now, but isn't there a kind of bellows on the inside that allows the lens to be extended out?

I'm wondering if that's where your leak is.
Good luck.

[efix]

Originally Posted by sleepyhead

Hi Micromoogman, bummer about the light leak.

I don't have my Contax T in front of me right now, but isn't there a kind of bellows on the inside that allows the lens to be extended out?

I'm wondering if that's where your leak is.
Good luck.

There is indeed, but I wonder if that wouldn't have a more general effect on the whole frame?

[efix]

I just ran a roll of Elite Chrome 100 (great film!) through my T, as mentioned in another thread. Click the image below to see my set "Contax T" on flickr!

[efix]

Some more Contax T love, this time on Velvia 50. (Click the picture below to see the flickr gallery.)

[kram]

micrimoogman, I have been thinking: The silver 'pin' just below the wind on lever (I think there is another 'pin' in this region as well) could be allowing light through from the wind on lever housing, Therefore taping up the back here, light would still get through. However, replacing the foam seals out any light coming through this way.

[micromoogman]

You could be right. But shouldn't the light be visible down left in the picture then? These are up left. Maybe it's from the lens/front somewhere. I'll replace the foam... this is quite annoying.

[kram]

Is it fixed yet. Your second photo above is exactly the problem I had.

[jhawker]

Hello All,
The T and Fuji's NPH 400 were my favorites for quite some time.
Load carefully proceed without notice.
The hyperfocal markings were great.
Still have two Ts.
Keep Eager.
JH

[existrandom]

i love mine, i often take it out instead of my other cameras. it feels more causal, in a good way

my specimen (brought from ebay a few years ago) exposes and focuses well, my only complain is the tight tolerance with film loading, i often have exposures overlapped across frames, the rewind crank feels quite feeble, too

i like the lens rendition too, it's smooth and often works magic with color
but it shows similar lightleaks recently

[micromoogman]

kram, where did you get the foam from? I don't know the thickness, 1 or 2 mm? I've seen seal kits at Ebay but not really sure what I need.

Some pics without leak at all.

[efix]

Originally Posted by existrandom

my specimen (brought from ebay a few years ago) exposes and focuses well, my only complain is the tight tolerance with film loading, i often have exposures overlapped across frames, the rewind crank feels quite feeble, too

I recently made a tutorial video on how to load the Contax T, take a look if you like. The most important part is to get the sprockets engage properly. Anyhow, in the video you can see how I'm doing it, works all the time without problems.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bae4cD4v3-o

[kram]

I used the 2mm thick foam (just to make sure). it was not pre cut, so I cut it with a craft blade. I have just got a kit for my Mamiya back from these people http://camerasealkit.com/

Try them to see if they just do a simple sheetwhich you can use for the Contax T.
there should by 1 or 2 other companies out there as well.