what's wrong with my prints?

hello,
i just got back from the lab with film prints, they pretty much all show the same whitish band on one side, see pics below.
[IMG]http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab319/boudou701/print%20film/CNV00015.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab319/boudou701/print%20film/CNV00012.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/ab319/boudou701/print%20film/CNV00008.jpg[/IMG]

do you think it's the camera or did i put the film wrong?
if it's the camera can it be serviced?

thanks!

You haven't said which film camera, but it looks to me as if light is leaking in somewhere.

If it's an older MX, ME, Super-A etc, the seals rot down to a black goo and need to be replaced.

When was the last time you used the camera, and were the prints OK?

Is it possible that you didn't close the back properly?

Thanks - it's an old a1 which hasn't been used for probably 15 years I would say - I wanted to test it - would the leak be easy to fix? I think I closed it properly, wonder if I put the film in the wrong place (like it was loose or something?). Thanks!

I think the most likely cause is degraded light seals. I'd contact Harrow Technical or Asahi Photo for a service, but you might not consider the expense is worth it.

Unless you are really ham-fisted, I doubt you'd get the film loading wrong

Changing seals is incredibly easy, well worth doing yourself.

What seems 'incredibly easy' to some, can be nigh on impossible to others.

Yes it can be a DIY job if you can get a pre-cut seal set for the A1.

I've successfully put new seals on an ME and a Super-A, but only because I was able to find pre-cut seals.

That really does look like a light leak from the seal by the door hinge, common on the A1 (which I used to use and which had the same problem).

Pre cut seal kits with comprehensive instructions included are sold relatively inexpensively by E-bay seller 'interslice'. However I concur that a reasonable level of dexterity and patience is required to satisfactorily complete this task.

Thank you so much guys I will probably go to the local shop ask how much they charge then will decide if I try to do it myself shooting films is fun!

To be honest, it isn't that hard to replace seals providing you have steady hands and can follow the instructions to the letter. Definitely worth having a go if you can get pre-cut seals to fit, you'll save the price of a few rolls of film for about half an hour's work.

try this link.

He doesn't have a kit for the S1a listed but I should think the Spotmatic kit would be very similar. If you contact him he may be able to do you one for the S1a.

It is easy to do, all the seals are precut and the only thing you may need extra is some kitchen towel and lighter fuel for cleaning. I have done various cameras from these kits.

More info link

Interslice is Jon Goodman and a very nice gut. He can produce a "kit" but in all honesty his basic kist is so easy it is not worth gting precut ones.

It is slightly different for the Canonets etc because you do have to cut the seals to a special pattern.

The only difficult one on a Pentax SLR is the mirror foam. Cutting and fitting it easy, it is getting the old "goo" out without getting any on the screen that is the trick.If anyone needs help, I am happy to provide it.

Kim