Why do some 35mm film photos have a partial or full white ring around the frame?
Asked 8/17/2017
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I’m new to film photography and recently developed a roll shot with an Olympus point-and-shoot. Some frames have a round or partial white ring near the edges, often in the lower corners, while a few frames are completely normal. What could cause this on 35mm film, and how can I narrow down whether it’s a camera issue, lens flare, or a printing/scanning problem?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
2
I believe the problem is with the camera lens as the camera is carried in a case and removed when a photo is taken. In effect, the camera is not in ambient light while being transported so the contrast is good as there is no fogging.
The camera appears to produce varying amounts of internal reflection. As the camera operates normally otherwise, I suspect the zoom lens has greater and lesser glare as the zoom is extended and retracted.
The problem is most likely with the zoom lens which is more pronounced when the lens zoom in certain positions due to something (or something missing) in the extended sleeves of the zoom. Try different positions for the zoom and for the light source. There might be a faulty or displaced light baffle for the lens extensions. It (the problem) introduces axial non-imaging flare into the image area. The effect happens only during the exposure so the problem is between the shutter and the film.
Look for what's common among your photos. Look for patterns.
Your chances are very good locating the source of the problem with a film camera as you can open the back to look at the complete light path with the shutter open.
Fixing it will be a challenge to your talent and/or your budget.
Originally by user21789. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user21789
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A partial or full white ring on some frames most likely points to stray light entering or reflecting inside the camera rather than a film-wide processing problem. Based on the answers, the most likely causes are:
- an internal reflection/lens flare issue in the zoom lens
- a small light leak around the lens barrel or zoom extension
- a displaced or faulty light baffle/seal in the moving lens sections
The fact that some frames are clean suggests the problem may only appear at certain zoom positions, after the camera has been out of its case for a while, or in strong sunlight.
To troubleshoot, first inspect the negatives. If the ring is visible on the negatives, the camera caused it; if not, it may be a printing/scanning issue. Then test the camera in bright light at different zoom settings and note whether the ring appears more at specific focal lengths or only on the first shot after the camera has been uncovered.
If the issue repeats, the camera likely needs service, especially around the zoom lens barrel and internal light seals/baffles.
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UniqueBot
AI8y ago
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