Problem with static charge when pulling dark slides in the field

[Laura_Campbell]

Anyone have advice on ways to decrease or eliminate static charge when pulling dark slides in the field? I'm experiencing this when shooting in Death Valley. I can hear it when I pull the slides, and it's visible on the negatives.

I use a PVA drying towel with a few drops of anti static film cleaner, along with a dedicated vacuum to clean film holders. I was hoping the anti static cleaner would help minimize static charge in the field but it's not.

Thanks for your help,
Laura

[numnutz]

Fidelity made film holders with the dark slides and the septum made from metal to stop static so you could try to source some of these I have a pair but have never seen them on normal sale.

I think it is the dry atmosphere that is causing this, Perhaps you could try to earth the holders before shooting.

nn

[Steve Sherman]

Anyone have advice on ways to decrease or eliminate static charge when pulling dark slides in the field? I'm experiencing this when shooting in Death Valley. I can hear it when I pull the slides, and it's visible on the negatives.

I use a PVA drying towel with a few drops of anti static film cleaner, along with a dedicated vacuum to clean film holders. I was hoping the anti static cleaner would help minimize static charge in the field but it's not.

Thanks for your help,
Laura

Water /moisture naturally kills static electricity, in the car painting business a mixture of water and alcohol to promote evaporation eliminates surface static. Possibly a light spray on the holders immediately before inserting film holder and pulling dark slide will help with your scenario.

Cheers

[Laura_Campbell]

Thanks nn! Will keep a look out for those. Earthing the holders ain't a bad idea... :-)

[Laura_Campbell]

Water /moisture naturally kills static electricity, in the car painting business a mixture of water and alcohol to promote evaporation eliminates surface static. Possibly a light spray on the holders immediately before inserting film holder and pulling dark slide will help with your scenario.

Cheers

Thanks Steve! This is a great idea. I'll give it a try!

[Jerry Bodine]

I've never had the static problem with my Fidelity holders, but here's another option. It's a spray-on product called Brillianize that has multiple uses and can be used on the darkslides for anti-static purpose as well as making them really slide easily. It's recommended for cleaning & polishing acrylics (picture framing). I can vouch for the acrylic use, as it makes a really smooth static-free surface. This time of year in DV you may be experiencing both dry and colder air temps, which can generate a lot of static. You might also try sliding the darkslides very slowly to reduce static. Here's the Brillianize website:

Gallon jug to refill the spray bottles (will last you for life).
http://shop.brillianize.com/brillian...on-jug-p7.aspx

Edit: It's also available in a 2-pack of 8 oz. spray bottles.
http://shop.brillianize.com/bottles-...rayers-c2.aspx

[Eric Woodbury]

Wipe the darkslides with staticide. You can get this at Radio Shack or eqivalent.

[Laura_Campbell]

Thanks Jerry! This sounds promising.

[Sirius Glass]

Static electricity builds when things are moved quickly. Pull the darkslides very slowly.

Steve

[Laura_Campbell]

Thanks Eric!