Dark Slide material?

Dave Wooten · Feb 1, 2005

Where can I get the dark slide material used in large format film holders.
I want to try and make some slides that cover half of the frame only.

Idea is for 14 x 17, one would be just cut in half, the other would have an inside rectangle cut out near the pull end....I could then use as needed as 8.5" x 14" a nice 1.64 ratio...and allowing me option of 2 shots per film.

Thanks all
Dave in Vegas

Dave Wooten · Feb 1, 2005

ok so I do not want to screw up one of my lovely S & S dark slides maybe Sandy's company could design and make me one?

Dave Wooten · Feb 1, 2005

Or two

Mongo · Feb 2, 2005

Dave-

Since this will only be in place when you take the shot, it doesn't necessarily have to be the same material as a regular dark slide. Take a look at your local hobby shops and art supply stores for plastic that's the same thickness as your dark slide...it shouldn't be hard to find something. Make sure that whatever you find blocks light, and it should be a simple matter of cutting something to the right size and attaching a handle to it.

I have no idea what kind of plastic modern dark slides are made out of...all of my 8x10 holders are older and are metal. If you can cut metal (for example, with a jigsaw and the appropriate blade) you could make this out of a sheet of metal that's the appropriate thickness.

Good luck.

noseoil · Feb 2, 2005

Get someone to use a micrometer for you to measure your existing material if you don't have one. You can then find some aluminum or plastic to use. If you get what you need, aluminum can be anodized to a nice black black once the cutting and edges are filed and smooth and the windows are milled out. Make sure all edges are sanded well with a file and then some very fine wet or dry paper will do the trick (3M makes black automotive stuff for fuinishing paints).

For sheet aluminum, use a backing board of thin plywood so you don't kink the material when cutting.You may need to use one on front and one on back (1/8" or 3mm) and some clamps to keep things flat and safe while working on it. Do your layout on the plywood and have at it. tim

Jeffrey · Feb 13, 2005

Find a local machine shop. They can get black delrin or aluminum or whatever material you want in the correct thickness. They can cut and finish it for you and you can avoid the headaches while getting a superior result. If you can't find a precision shop (not automotive), contact me. That's what I do.

Dave Wooten · Feb 13, 2005

Thanks Jeff, by the way everyone should check out your site...wonderful photographs! Wow!

I think I will take you up on making me the slides.....should I send you ones I am using to copy outside dimensions?

All the best and thanks

Dave in Vegas

waynecrider · Feb 13, 2005

If anything I'd opt for stainless over the softer aluminum. You can get peices made at any sheetmetal shop and they can guage it for you if you bring in an example. Prices should be very reasonable.

waynecrider · Feb 13, 2005

P.S...forgot you might have to get creative with darkening it tho.

claytume · Feb 13, 2005

Dave Wooten said:
ok so I do not want to screw up one of my lovely S & S dark slides maybe Sandy's company could design and make me one?

Dave

Sandy will supply an extra darkslide if you ask him, I'm doing the same for my 5x12, the extra darkslides are $25 each. Is it worth making them yourself for that price? (14x17 would be a little more)

Clayton

Jeffrey · Feb 14, 2005

Stainless is a great material, but you will not be able to make it black other than painting it, and I know nobody would do that for this application.

Dark Slide material?

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