Florida | Raid Amin

[Raid Amin]

I may have an answer for you. The film with all the "light leaks" is likely Efke. Look closely and you will see that all the light struck the film from the side. Efke paper does not fit very tight against the edge of the spool and this problem is fairly common on cameras relying on a ruby window for frame counting. Also, loading and unloading is tricky with this film if you want to avoid the problem. So, beware, future users. If you use Efke, keep black tape over the window and load/unload in dim light. Watch out when winding, too.

Glenn: Most likely, you are right. I will avoid using EFKE with folding cameras having windows.

[Glenn Thoreson]

Raid, most folders would do better with the Efke film than the ShurFlash. Most of them have a pressure plate, which will help, and often have sliding covers over the ruby window. A 6X6 folder would be even better because the window is in the center. Just be aware of direct light getting in and load and unload in dim light and you'll do fine.

[Don Day]

Glenn, I've noticed this with the 127 Efke rolls from JandC Photography. I used one in a Kodak No. 0 box camera and ended up with lousy flatness as the stiff film resisted the 90 degree corners, not to mention the tendency to uncurl within the loose roll as I was trying to slide the case back onto the newly loaded core.  Efke has worked fine on cameras where the film track is straight.

[Glenn Thoreson]

Don, the problem with most box cameras is that they have no pressure plate and little, if any, device to keep tension on the film. Sometimes a folded piece of the film box jammed down next to the feed spool will do wonders.

[Raid Amin]

Raid, most folders would do better with the Efke film than the ShurFlash. Most of them have a pressure plate, which will help, and often have sliding covers over the ruby window. A 6X6 folder would be even better because the window is in the center. Just be aware of direct light getting in and load and unload in dim light and you'll do fine.

Glenn: I will use my remaining stock of EFKE film in my Rolleiflex TLR. It should perform better there.