Stiff slides in 4x5 holders

[thefizz]

I have some Lisco and Fidelity 4x5 film holders but the dark slides are very stiff to slide in and out. Is there any way to loosen them?

Peter

 

[Jesper]

First of all make sure that the slit is clean and if they are still stiff maybe some candle wax could help. Just run a candle along the edge of the slide, no melting and pouring. Cleaning the slit should however be the first stop.

 

[bdial]

I use paste wax on the entire slide but making sure the slot is clean, and lubricating the edge of the slide, as above, is the first stip.
If you wax the surface of the slide, make sure it's thoroughly buffed before inserting it into the holder.

 

[removed account4]

lemon pledge works well too and smells so ... lemony

 

[Keith Pitman]

Renaissance wax.

 

[thefizz]

Thanks for the advice folks.

 

[Jim Noel]

Even simpler and less costly is "Nose Grease". It works beautifully and unlike paste waxes does not leave a layer of wax to gather dust and grit which will sooner or later cause problems.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

It's also possible someone replaced the dark slides with the wrong make.

 

[AgX]

In this case there could be distinctive abrasion marks. Grinding at these locations would be a way to solve the problem.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

thefizz, if you purchased those holders recently I'd suggest they be returned.