Tape for filmholders?

[Gene McCluney]

I have been using black photographers tape..an opaque paper tape to re-tape the hinge flaps on my older film holders. This works fine, but since it IS paper, like a high quality masking tape, it certainly isn't as durable as the original fabric tape. I was wondering what other people do when retaping the hinge flaps?

[Rob_5419]

Black rubberised tape (vinyl) - I found mine in a DIY store. The adhesive is not the strongest and requires a little extra adhesive support between the hinge areas.

I like the black vinyl rubber tape a lot - it really is durable and seems to shield light leaks out very well. Comes in various thicknesses, although 1.5cm - 2cm is standard.

You're right - the original fabric tape is a woven cotton compound, with a blackout section and weave behind it. A bit like the original felt fabric light seals, the quality is superior than anything modern we now use, as well as lasting way longer than the expected half-liife of our modern junk....

[vinny]

gaffers tape works find but will eventually need replacing. it's the closest thing to the original that i've seen. maybe someone else has a source. If you need a partial roll let me know as i've got tons of it from work.

[Greg Lockrey]

Fidelity makes the very tape you are looking for. I bought a piece about ten years ago and what I didn't use is still good to go. You can get it at Calumet. http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/FI4506.html

[Walter Calahan]

I was just about to post this same question so I can fix a bunch of 5x7 holders. Thanks Greg for the link! Thanks Gene for asking.

[Scott Davis]

Bookbinders tape is also a viable solution. It is a black opaque cloth tape, intended for hinging joints that see a lot of movement. I believe the roll I got was made by Lineco, the same folks who make the acid-free hinging tape for mounting photos in window mats. It is available at most art supply stores. The roll I got is 2" wide, and at least 30 yards long. This is big enough to do two 8x10 film holder hinges from a single 9" long strip. Utrecht lists it on their website for $13.95, and calls it "Book Cloth Repair Tape". I have seen it in the store at Pearl Paint as well, but they don't list it on their website.

[tim atherton]

I think this is the stuff I got. Used it 10 years ago on a bunch of old holders and they've been going strong ever since

http://www.demco.com/webprd_demco/pr...UP_BKC_010.htm

and scroll down to DEMCO Fastape® 3/4"W

(I can't find the roll right now, so I'm not 100% sure it was that one - it could also have been DEMCO Poly-coated Cloth Tape , but I don't think so...

[tim atherton]

BTW, the reason I used the demco tape was I ordered the fidelity tape from calumet and it never came into stock - but that was 10 years ago...

[Brian Ellis]

I'm sure you know that the tape isn't there to block light. Light is kept out by the trap in the holder, not by the tape. The tape is just a hinge for opening and closing the end flap. So you can use any kind of tape you like, it doesn't have to be opaque. You could use clear Scotch tape if you wanted to. FWIW I use some sort of black tape made by 3M that I think I bought at Home Depot. I'm not sure what it's original purpose was, it might be electrician's tape but it looks just like the original and has been on some of my holders for at least ten years. I think it cost about $2 for a roll that will last a lifetime.

[Colin Graham]

Another vote for bookbinder's tape. It's specifically made to be a hinge, and it has the perfect adhesive backing. Fabulously sticky but not gummy.