Not every leak is interesting
Light leaks can create red, orange or white bands around a frame. A small flare can make a photograph feel physical and unrepeatable; a strong leak can remove the subject entirely. The useful approach is control, not blind acceptance.
Find the source
Shoot one roll with the back seams covered by opaque tape. If the marks disappear, the door or film-counter window is responsible. If they remain, inspect the film path and make sure the roll stays tight. Loose winding can produce edge fogging that resembles a body leak.
The red window
Cover the counter window between advances, especially with fast panchromatic film or in direct sun. Lift the flap only long enough to read the number, ideally in your own shadow.
The back and side clips
Two strips of removable black tape over the side seams solve most body leaks and also reduce the chance of the back coming loose. Do not cover the shutter or the film advance.
A repeatable experiment
- Tape everything for frames 1–3.
- Remove only the window cover for frames 4–6.
- Remove one side strip for frames 7–9.
- Finish the roll untaped.
Compare the negatives, not only the scans. A lab’s automatic correction can hide how much flare is really present. Once you know the pattern, you can decide before each roll whether to suppress it or use it deliberately.