Light Leak in Minolta X-570

I recently began noticing some pretty bad exposure problems while shooting film in my Minolta X-570 SLR.  I have had the camera since 1985 and it has always faithfully served me well.

Light leak shooting Fuji 400 speed color film.

I did a little research and confirmed this artifact was caused by a light leak.  I checked the web for a light seal kit.  I found just such a kit at US Camera.  I ordered it and asked for priority shipping.  The kit was sent straight out for $20 shipped.  I received it a few days later.

Minolta X-570 with back cover removed to install new light seals.

It is a pretty tedious operation.  All the old light seal residue must be removed.  I used a combination of lighter fluid and a small screwdriver.  The new light seals came with adhesive attached so installing them was easier.  I finished the project and reassembled the camera.

Minolta X-570 with new light seals using HP5+ film.

From what I can see, problem fixed.  The camera is back in operation and all is well.  I may still send it off for a clean, lubricate and adjustment but, it is working well now.

Quick trip to Prime Hook NWR

Conny and I took a quick drive through part of Prime Hook NWR in Delaware.  There is always wildlife activity there making the trip interesting.  

Osprey in flight with a freshly captured fish

Birding is definitely the strong suit of the reserve.  The wildlife present rotates with the seasons, making return trips even more fun.

An osprey holding on to his catch.

Learning to appreciate the wildlife takes time in observing it.  We contently watched as a red winged black bird defended what we assumed to be it's nesting area.  It was not intimidated by the size of the larger blue heron.

A red winged black bird buzzes a heron.

Conny and I will definitely be returning to Prime Hook soon to see the ever changing landscapes and meet interesting new wildlife.

New to me, Mamiya C220

I recently found a Mamiya C220 twin reflex camera through an online site. It is a 120 film camera and I have had fun running a roll of 120 film through it. There is no light meter so it is back to basics. There is just something magical about shooting old cameras for me. I relish the sound of the mechanical shutter and love the manual film advance. These cameras make you slow down and really compose the photograph. No point and shoot here. Can't wait to develop the film and see how she shoots.