Stiff Darkslide

EASmithV · Jan 7, 2010

Hey there, I have a 4x5 holder that has a darkslide which seems to have more friction than any other I've ever used. After putting the slide in, sometimes it's coated with dust. I guess that by poking a shop-vac at it and running something wet through on the darkslide would clean it off. The question remains, what is a light-baffle safe lubricant for the darkslide? I don't want to destroy the felt... Any film holder cleaning tips?

Thanks,
Eric Smith

Mike1234 · Jan 7, 2010

Quit talking dirty and get back to work!! And if you used it more often you wouldn't have that dust issue. Proper lubricant to preserve the felt?? Gee whizz man... you're on the wrong forum for this nasty talk!!

Vaughn · Jan 7, 2010

A little bit of furniture polish on the darkslide (wipe on, wipe as much as you can off.) Don't mess with the felt light trap other than working a darkslide thru it and blowing it out.

You might check to rails the darkslides slide in -- make sure they are not damaged or harboring dirt/dust.

Dust off the darkslides before pulling them out of the holder this will reduce to amount of dust getting into the light trap.

Dave_ON · Jan 7, 2010

Silicone spray lubricant. I've never used it on my photo equipment, but I use it for other applications at work. Non greasy, doesn't attract dust and dirt and very slippery. Use it sparingly and don't overspray. For a darkslide I'd apply it with a cloth and just put it where you need it. Auto supply and parts stores carry it.

Dave

bdial · Jan 7, 2010

Furniture paste wax works well too, more or less the same solution as the furniture polish, just in solid form rather than liquid.

EASmithV · Jan 7, 2010

Mike1234 said:
Quit talking dirty and get back to work!! And if you used it more often you wouldn't have that dust issue. Proper lubricant to preserve the felt?? Gee whizz man... you're on the wrong forum for this nasty talk!!

Dave_ON said:
Silicone spray lubricant. I've never used it on my photo equipment, but I use it for other applications at work. Non greasy, doesn't attract dust and dirt and very slippery. Use it sparingly and don't overspray. For a darkslide I'd apply it with a cloth and just put it where you need it. Auto supply and parts stores carry it.

Dave

K. I think I got some of that around.

Sirius Glass · Jan 7, 2010

Both men and women agree that stiffies are a good thing.

Steve

Mike1234 · Jan 7, 2010

Sirius Glass said:
Both men and women agree that stiffies are a good thing.

Yes but stiffies do sometimes require lubrication to slide in and out properly. And cleanliness is a must!!

Stiff Darkslide

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