Arri SR Viewfinder Light Trap Question

[Peter Connell]

Hi guys I recently purchased my first early model Arri SR. I have been reading Jon Fauer's book on the camera but one thing I'm still uncertain about is the light trap in the viewfinder. When the light trap is in the closed position (requiring eye pressure to open it) is it meant to be completely closed when no pressure is applied? If I place my eye on the viewfinder with no pressure I can still see the fiber-optic screen. My concern is that light may still leak and fog the film. Someone has told me that the light trap is never meant to fully close and only needs to be partially closed.

Thank you,
Peter

[Dom Jaeger]

No it should fully close. 

Check that the ring under the eyecup is screwed all the way out to allow the mechanism to close. You can screw it in (or maybe it’s the other direction, I forget) to keep the flaps permanently open.

Otherwise the mechanism may be sticky and need a service.

[Peter Connell]

thanks - I might buy a cap in the meantime assuming these are available?