What is a light leak?
Film photography relies on the manipulation of light to create the final image on your negative, however, sometimes unexpected light leaks can occur and leave unwanted streaks, or flares on your images. We often get customers asking what causes these effects on the film, so we’ve put together a quick guide to light leaks - what they are, how to prevent them, and why some photographers embrace them.
What is a light leak?
A light leak happens when there is a hole or gap in your camera allowing light from the external environment to ‘leak’ in and unintentionally expose the film inside. This extra light diffuses inside the camera and normally results in areas of streaks or bright light.
The colour of light leaks on colour negative film can vary depending on where the light hit the film. The back of the film is where the red and orange tones are created, so generally, if the light leak is red, then the leak is from the back of the camera, opposed to the front.
What causes a light leak?
Light leaks are usually caused when the seals or foam in your camera become damaged or worn over time. In 35mm cameras, light leaks commonly occur from around the door area, this is due to the foam that helps to seal it degrading over time. In medium or large format cameras, light leaks can occur between the various interchangeable parts.
Preventing light leaks
Maintaining your camera is key to avoiding light leak. Regularly check the seals and foam around the camera body, keep your camera in a camera bag to avoid accidental damage, and make sure you store them in a stable environment when you’re not using them. You can find more of our top tips for taking care of your camera here.
If you’ve spotted a light leak on your camera, then don’t worry there are some (hopefully) easy fixes. You can normally buy kits to replace the seals or for a classic lo-fi fix, you can turn to the trusty roll of electrical tape to cover the area creating the leak.
Light leaks as an aesthetic
Whilst some photographers dread seeing a light leak come back on their scans, others embrace the unexpected results and see them as a creative character trait to using film. By understanding light leaks and why they happen, some photographers harness them to create an artistic effect.
Need some help?
If you ever get your scans back and see something you weren't expecting, we're always happy to have a look and let you know what might be the cause if you drop us an email.
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3 comments
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I’m very new to 35mm photography (although I’m enjoying it hugely). All information like this is helpful, so thank you.
Dr David Freke on
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Well that’s spooky. All in one week you announce you are moving, I get light leaks, and you do an article on light leaks. So now I’m thinking light leaks are caused by cosmic disturbances that occur when your favourite lab ups sticks Which was not discussed in your article at all.
Paddy HAGAN on
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Black knitting wool can stop light leaks when inserted into the grooves that contain the seals. There is a very good you tube video showing how to stop light leaks in SLR cameras. I have used this method on 2 Olympus SLR’s and it worked excellently. The grade of wool was 4 or 3 ply but the video will confirm what grade is best for sealing a camera.
Brian Bagshaw on