[SOLVED] Hasselblad Dark Slides - should the raised parts point forward or backwards

ted_smith · May 1, 2016

The dark slide on Hasselblad V-series has two slightly raised 'knobbly'\'embossed' bumps in the top right and left corners. On one side the metal is slightly raised, and the bottom side it is slightly impressed.

My question is whether it matters which way up the slide goes into the back? I assume it does, otherwise it would be equal I would assume. But that said, the camera works fine no matter which way in it is inserted. But I assume those two raised bumps slot into two slight depressed areas somewhere in the camera when inserted, otherwise it is surely putting strain on something?

So should the raised parts point forward towards the lens or backwards? Or does it really not matter?

Sim2 · May 1, 2016

Wow, had to check my darkslide to see if I had 'bumps' as well. I do, never really noticed them before! I agree, they must be there for a reason but don't know what that would be, sorry. However, I *tend* to use it with the 'fold' facing forwards as then the insert came come out easily, the other way around, the insert catches on the fold. Don't know if that helps at all.
Watching this with interest now!

Luis-F-S · May 1, 2016

Forward or they come out when U remove the insert. L

cowanw · May 1, 2016

As Luis-F-S says. Per the 503 manual, the roll of the slide goes towards the lens.

Sirius Glass · May 1, 2016

Luis-F-S said:
Forward or they come out when U remove the insert. L

cowanw said:
As Luis-F-S says. Per the 503 manual, the roll of the slide goes towards the lens.

Both are correct.

ted_smith · May 1, 2016

Awesome, thanks gents for the confirmation.

brent8927 · May 1, 2016

I've always put mine in with the roll facing backwards. I'm not sure why... I don't seem to ever change film unless the magazine is attached to the camera, so I guess it really hasn't mattered, but now I can see why you would want the roll facing forward.

itsdoable · May 1, 2016

I always put the roll facing back, that way it does not protrude out the front - to lessen the chance that it will catch something when I pull an unmounted back out of the tight fitting camera bag, and causing in the dark slide to be pulled partway out. I don't care if the dark slide comes part way out when I remove the insert.

But the OP's question was about the 2 raised nobs just inboard of the roll. If you look at them, they are symmetric, and enter the slot the same way regardless of which way you have the dark slide. These de-dents are to help keep the slide in (you can feel it when the slide reaches home), and by their inference, the slide is designed to go in either way.

Richard Man · May 2, 2016

It can also be used as a quick reminder whether you have film in or not. I use the convention of protrusion toward the lens as no film in the back.

Theo Sulphate · May 2, 2016

The roll must face forward, otherwise the ghost of Victor Hasselblad will appear and he will jam your camera.

David Allen · May 3, 2016

Luis-F-S said:
Forward or they come out when U remove the insert. L

+1

Kawaiithulhu · May 4, 2016

Luis-F-S said:
Forward or they come out when U remove the insert.

+2

[SOLVED] Hasselblad Dark Slides - should the raised parts point forward or backwards

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