Minolta XD-7 - Second chance for a pesky light leak

Well, it's been a while since I blogged.  Sorry about that folks.

But.......

I've been away and have quite a few photos to edit and sort out!

In the meantime, this was my last project before I went on a lovely holiday away with my Kim.

If you recall in a previous post, I had replaced the seals on a newly purchased Minolta XD-7.  I put a roll of Fuji 400 Superia through it and found that the seals had not worked 100%.  So, I revisited the seals after that and gave it another go with another roll of Fuji 400 Superia, which is this lot of photos.  The 2nd attempt at repairing the light seals was marginally better but there was still a light leak that was getting through.  

In that previous post I had mentioned that I was loath to put a seal near the hinge of the camera door, thinking that the thickness of the seal might somehow bend the fragile hinge of the camera under the force of closing.  I consulted my friend Google and found out how and where to seal the camera so that it has minimal contact with the hinge but won't let any light through on that side (hopefully!)

So, it was back to the drawing board for the 3rd attempt at the resealing.  That has now been completed but I am yet to put a film through to test it out.  I have a roll of CineStill 50D that will be the test film for that so, watch this space!

For this roll of film, I also wanted to test a lens that came with the Minolta XD-7; a Hanimex MC 28-80mm f3.5-4.5 lens.  I had reported in a previous post that it was a little soft around the edges when wide open at 28mm but, that is apparently par for the course when shooting at a wide angle.  This lens also has a Macro setting that I was also keen to try.  As you can see, the results have been pretty damn good for a lens that has had a reputation of being 'cheap and nasty'.

Once again, some lovely colour from this roll of Fuji 400 Superia.  Because this was an expired film (over 10 years expired), I dropped the exposure value and shot it at ISO200.  It certainly worked a treat as the exposure is spot on!

So, keep an eye out for a post in the future where I can hopefully say that the Minolta XD-7 has no more light leaks!

The photos on this blog post and corresponding Google+ page are

©Life with Jordy Photography, All Rights Reserved

and may not be used without permission.

Locals braving the huge swell at The Bogey Hole - Newcastle, Australia

The macro feature of the Hanimex Lens has not disappointed at all!
The Canoe Pool - Newcastle, Australia

As you can see here, the light leak was still happening. 
Newcastle Beach, Newcastle, Australia

Across the road from my work is James Fletcher Park.  As you walk east in the park, the level drops and
ends in sheer cliff.  Of course, this is perfect for wind updrafts which is why it is a popular place for
paragliding.  Shot at f8, the Hanimex Lens is quite sharp.
Newcastle, Australia

Cooper loves the water!  You can see the light leak on the right hand side here.
Booragul on Lake Macquarie, Australia

My beautiful wife Kim.

Sometimes a light leak can be lived with.  I mean, it is one of those things that comes with using
an older camera.  Still, I would rather none at all!
Booragul, Lake Macquarie, Australia