DIY dark slide for 4x5 Polaroid back 405

[HorstS]

Hi,

the original slide is now perforated and is as a result
covered with tape. Therefore, it is difficult to pull it out
or insert, which leads to further bending, cracking, and light leaks.

The material is very flexible and about 0.5 mm thick.

Has anyone ever replaced this slide by a homemade,
or can give me a tip for anyone other relevant material?

Once got a dark slide from a 4x5 cassette measured: 0.7 mm.
Think this is the too thick (regardless of the greater rigidity).

Otherwise, I am also interested in a dark slide solo,
if still unused one lying around somewhere ... :-)


Thanks in advance,
Horst.

[Jim C.]

If you have access to any plastics stores you might try them for black ABS or black styrene,
.5mm is .020" and should be available, two sided smooth ABS might be harder to find,
my experience is that it's always textured on one side, not good for a darkslide.

[Tin Can]

Here's a big secret. Get a Graphic cat #1233 3-1/4x4-1/4 Film Pack back made by Graflex from an old camera. They are of no use to anyone these days, but the dark slide fits a 405.

Wax the new slide, they all are very stiff to use.

Don't tell anybody.

[HorstS]

Thanks a lot Jim C. and Randy Moe for your hints.
Very interesting. Unfortunately there is not so much Graphic
Gear in Europe, but a lot in US. And shipping fee is mostly expensive ... ;-)

[Tin Can]

that's why it's good to add your location so people know where you might be

sometimes somebody close can help

just sayin

Thanks a lot Jim C. and Randy Moe for your hints.
Very interesting. Unfortunately there is not so much Graphic
Gear in Europe, but a lot in US. And shipping fee is mostly expensive ... ;-)

[HorstS]

@Randy Moe: Done ...:-)

[kirkmacatangay]

Horst,

Here in Canada, we have a dollar store and they sell different types of aluminum pans. One type is too thick and the other too thin. Sometimes you can find one just right that is thin enough yet flexible.

Kirk

[HorstS]

@Kirk: Many thanks for your hint. Meantime I have bought just that type of aluminum panel, 0.5 mm thick, and have done a new slider.

@All: Thanks a lot for all your hints, it helped much.

Horst.