Wood film holder with sticky slides

brianentz · Feb 25, 2023

I have a couple wooden film holders that have dark slides that don't go in and out as easily as I would like. Not sticky, just seems to get caught a bit. I'm thinking to apply some carnauba wax to the metal along the outside edges. Is there a better way to help the slides go in and out more smoothly?

Vaughn · Feb 25, 2023

I use a minimum amount of cheap furniture polish on the whole slide and rub well with a soft cloth.

BAC1967 · Feb 25, 2023

maltfalc · Feb 25, 2023

if the edge of the dark slide has gotten a little rough, a bit of light sanding with a very fine sanding sponge can help. otherwise just stick with the carnauba and maybe run a toothbrush along the grooves.

bdial · Feb 25, 2023

Paste wax works well for me.

Rick A · Feb 25, 2023

BAC1967 said:

Now where have I seen this before?

Vaughn · Feb 25, 2023

Makes its rounds!
It is basically what I did after a student thought one kept the film in the film holder when doing 'dip and dunk' developing.
Always nice to have a couple extra darkslides around.

Rick A · Feb 25, 2023

Vaughn said:
Makes its rounds!
It is basically what I did after a student thought one kept the film in the film holder when doing 'dip and dunk' developing.
Always nice to have a couple extra darkslides around.

Haha, that's hilarious! I wax my dark slides on a regular basis.

Doremus Scudder · Feb 25, 2023

1000 grit sandpaper and a little beeswax do the job for me.

xya · Feb 25, 2023

I rub a stub of a stearin candle on the edges. Works fine for me...

brianentz · Feb 25, 2023

Thanks all. Very much appreciated and I'm sure it will work just great. And no, the mallet will not be used.

Philippe-Georges · Feb 26, 2023

When the sliders start being stubborn, it means that there is dirt sticking in the borders, so I clean these with a small hard bristle painting brush dipped in some benzene, the kind used in the household for cleaning crease stains out of cloths.
Be aware not to spill benzene on the tape of the bottom flaps nor the felt because the glue wil loosen.

Wood film holder with sticky slides

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