Help needed - strange dark line on the bottom of my photo

[Yebisu]

Hello everyone,

I need some help. I shot my first roll of black and white film (neopan 400) last weekend and I have just got the negatives and scans back. Most of the shots were over exposed but on 5 or 6 of the shots there is a dark area at the bottom of the frame.

Here is an example




The shot directly before that doesn't exhibit the same problem.




Some extra information, I shot a roll of color film a couple of weeks ago and all the shots were OK.

So does anyone have any idea what is wrong? Thanks in advance.

[Spotmatic]

What camera is it? If it was a SLR then I guess the mirror did not completely flip up during the exposure, causing the light path partially blocked.

[Yebisu]

Sorry for forgetting the important info spotmatic. It's an Nikon FE with a 50/1.4.

[Spotmatic]

Then something in the mirror box is blocking the light path. My guess is it's the mirror itself. Maybe the mirror does not fully swing up when the shutter is tripped. Please check if there's anything loose inside, such as the mirror dampening foam (top front).

[Yebisu]

Thanks Spotmatic. I had a look and the mirror dampening foam is new and securely attached. Everything in the mirror seems OK.

I have a question for you Spotmatic (and anyone else who could help) On the color film I shot I didn't have a problem with the dark line. I shot the color film in lower light and used slower shutter speeds. I shot the neopan 400 B&W film mostly during the day and used very fast shutter speeds. Is the mirror more likely to not swing up fully when using fast shutter speeds?

Thanks in advance

[Spotmatic]

Usually the camera receives a "signal" to open the shutter when the mirror is in the UP position. I don't know the FE personally but maybe the mechanism is worn out or defective. I'm not of much help here, not being a Nikonian

I know the problem from experience but with a DSLR. On my 5D sometimes the mirror hits the back of the lens. The photo is taken anyway, causing a black band at the bottom of the photo. So that's why I know it's mirror related.

[Yebisu]

Thanks for your help. I'll try another film and see what happens.

[cooltouch]

Some cameras with horizontally moving shutter curtains will exhibit "capping" which is where the 2nd curtain catches up with the 1st, causing a reduction in exposure toward the end of the frame. I don't know if the FE experiences anything like this. I do know that certain Canons with vertical shutters will experience a similar problem where a tarry substance will begin to coat the shutter blades, caused by foam material liquifying, and causing the shutters to stick. And with this occurs, you'll see a similar problem -- but worse. I suppose you might want to inspect you shutter blades and make sure there is no sort of residue on them that might be leading to this.