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Film stuck in filmholder

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JOSarff

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Mar 5, 2008
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Location
Santa Fe, NM
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8x10 Format
Have any of you had film stick in the filmholder. I have two where the film is completely glued to the aluminum plate in the holder. I tore out what I could, but the rest is still there.

Do you think soaking in water would help release the film, or do I have two paperweights?
 
There is a felt light trap at the darkslide end of the holder and water can't be too good for the tape on the flap, so I wouldn't soak a filmholder in liquid, but you might try applying some water carefully where it won't cause any damage to see if you can release the film.
 
Anything you do to a film holder must be done very carefully. the metal sleeve that holds the film back can get bent, and then every shot you take will have focus problems. I would say that 4x5 film holders arent expensive enough to warrent alot of repair. So my suggestion would be to chuck it in a parts box.
 
I suspect the film somehow got damp and then glued to the film holder. If you could introduce a little bit of water between the film and holder you might be able to get it loosened up. As pointed out you should be careful not to let the water get anywhere else on or in the holder. If it doesn't work, just replace it. And sell me one of the darkslides - I need a spare :wink:
 
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