Realist Leak Problem (Almost) Solved!

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Good news for 50% of Realist camera owners!  Last night I tried the "bulb
inside the camera" trick in a camera with a confirmed light leak.  I used 2
AAA batteries with a 2.5V halogen bulb soldered with wires.  I placed the
batteries in the film canister area and the bulb by the pick up spool. 
With the back closed and at a dark room with dark adapted eyes, I was able
to see a bit of light coming out from the edge where the back meets the
body.  

If this is the source of the leak for this camera then the orange streak
should appear near the top of the film and it can be avoided by using the
bottom camera case which blocks also the sides.  It should be easy to
correct by making the latch tighter and/or slightly bending the back or
just using a piece of black tape there.

This area (by the pick up spool where the back meets the body) is the most
susceptible for leaks because there is really nothing there to make a
light-tight lock.  In this camera I noticed that the back fits with a bit
of an angle, leaving a small gap at the bottom.  Signs of trouble include a
lock that does not feel tight, a back that has some play in it, or it does
not fit straight at this edge.  With some experience, one could predict the
leak without even trying the bulb trick.

The question was asked if this is a manufacturing problem or the result of
camera use/wear.  I think it is both.  The basic construction does not
offer a tight closure.  But also, with time and use the contact/fit between
back and body can become loose.

I have lost the posting that proposed the  "bulb inside the camera" trick
and would like to know the name of the person who gave me this idea, for
future acknowledgments.  

Thanks! -- George Themelis


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