Owning a vintage medium format camera is a joy, but every now and then, the quirks of age can present a challenge. Recently, my Bronica ETRSi began to show signs of a problem: a light leak that had started ruining my film rolls.
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What initially seemed like a minor annoyance grew into an issue I couldn’t ignore. Here’s how I identified my Bronica ETRSi Light Leak problem, tackled it, and successfully replaced the light seals on the medium format film holder—all from the comfort of home.
How It All Began: The Mystery of the Light Streaks
A few rolls ago, I noticed strange streaks of light on my developed negatives. At first, I dismissed it as user error. Perhaps I had mishandled the film during loading or unloading? Maybe the roll wasn’t tightly wound, allowing light to seep in. These are common culprits for a vintage camera, after all.
However, as the problem persisted, I began to suspect a deeper issue. The light streaks always appeared on the same areas of the film, regardless of how carefully I handled it. This consistency pointed toward something intrinsic to the camera: a light leak.
Bronica ETRSi Light Leak: Diagnosing the Problem
To confirm my suspicions, I examined the Bronica’s film holder closely. Over time, the foam light seals that prevent light from entering the camera can degrade, losing their effectiveness. Sure enough, the seals on my film back were looking worse for wear—compressed, crumbly, and no longer doing their job.
For those unfamiliar, the light seals are small strips of foam located around the edges of the film holder. Their purpose is simple but crucial: they block any stray light from reaching the film, ensuring that the only light exposure happens through the lens. When these seals fail, light can leak in and create those telltale streaks on your photos.
Preparing for the Repair
Replacing the light seals on a Bronica ETRSi is a straightforward task that requires only a few tools and materials:
- Replacement light seal foam (available online or from specialty camera stores)
- A small flat-head screwdriver or tweezers (for removing the old foam)
- Isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs (for cleaning the grooves)
- A steady hand and some patience
The Replacement Process
Step 1: Removing the Old Seals
Using a small flat-head screwdriver, I carefully scraped away the old foam. This step can be a bit messy, as aged foam tends to disintegrate into tiny crumbs. Tweezers came in handy for pulling out stubborn bits stuck in the grooves. Once the old foam was removed, I cleaned the grooves thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to ensure a smooth surface for the new seals.
Step 2: Cutting and Placing the New Foam
The replacement foam I purchased came in a small sheet. Using a sharp craft knife, I cut strips to match the dimensions of the original seals. Bronica’s film holders have three main seal areas, so I prepared three strips accordingly.
Placing the new foam strips required a steady hand, but the adhesive backing made the job easier. I carefully aligned each strip with the grooves and pressed it into place. The foam was forgiving enough to allow for minor adjustments before firmly sticking down.
Step 3: Testing the Fit
With the new seals in place, I reassembled the film holder and tested its fit. Everything aligned perfectly, and the seals created a snug, light-tight barrier.
Putting my Medium Format to the Test
With the repair complete, I couldn’t wait to see if it had worked. Unfortunately, British weather wasn’t on my side, so a photo walk outdoors was off the cards. Instead, I loaded a roll of Kodak Tri-X 400 and shot around the house, capturing everyday scenes in various lighting conditions. This “indoor test roll” would reveal whether the light leak was truly fixed.
Once developed, the negatives showed no signs of the dreaded light streaks. The new seals had done their job perfectly, and my Bronica was back to delivering the clean, beautiful images it’s known for.
Lessons Learned
Replacing the light seals on my Bronica ETRSi was not only a satisfying project but also a reminder of the joys (and occasional frustrations) of shooting with vintage gear. Here are a few key takeaways from the experience:
- Light leaks can be deceptive: Don’t assume it’s user error. If streaks persist across multiple rolls, it’s worth investigating the camera itself.
- Prevention is better than cure: Light seals naturally degrade over time, so it’s a good idea to inspect them regularly, especially if your camera is decades old.
- The fix is easier than you think: With basic tools and a bit of care, replacing light seals is a manageable DIY project for any photographer.
Sharing the Vintage Camera Results
After successfully repairing the light leak, I tested the Bronica by shooting everyday moments around my home. These simple, homely scenes confirmed that the light leak was gone and reminded me why I love the medium format look so much.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply rewarding about maintaining and repairing vintage cameras. Each task deepens your connection to the gear and enhances your appreciation for its craftsmanship. My Bronica ETRSi is now ready for many more rolls of film, and I can’t wait to take it out for its next adventure—hopefully under brighter skies.
Have you ever dealt with a light leak or performed a similar repair on your own camera? I’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments below. Let’s keep these vintage beauties running for years to come!
