Lubrication for darkslides in the cold?

[Heroique]

Last weekend, I was up in the chilly North Cascades when my darkslides began misbehaving.

They were difficult to open and close. And it wasn’t even that cold. Perhaps lower-to-mid 40’s Fahrenheit. A couple wouldn’t even budge! I’d been away from my warm car for merely 30 minutes when this began happening. It was quite frustrating. You can imagine the difficulty – I had to struggle with them when they were positioned in the camera. I kept knocking compositions out of whack. It was a dreadful afternoon.

It occurred to me I might lubricate them for future trips. But with what?

Below are the Fidelity Elite and Riteway darkslides I typically use. Any recommendations? Something safe for the film of course. And not potentially messy. Or maybe there’s a trick you know? Or a different darkslide design that’s better for winter?

(I do use my QuickLoad holder as a winter alternative, but my favorite b&w films aren’t available.)

[Bosaiya]

I use wax. I also tie a long cord to the ones that have the ring-style pull tab. That way I can just yank on the cord. The cord is attached to the camera, which is useful for when the darkslide comes flying out of my gloved hand.

[Eric Woodbury]

Maybe an anti-stat solution would provide enough lube and no static electricity.

[BrianShaw]

When mine get sticky I clean them scrupulously... and the tracks they slide in. No lubrication. YMMV since I wouldn't have little experience taking pics in 40 deg weather.

[Nathan Potter]

Wax is a good idea. A few years ago in Jan. around Steamboat Springs I had similar trouble at around zero degrees. Next day I used ski wax (red type) sparingly along the edge of the slide and found a great improvement. The wax can be later removed using acetone or xylene.

Nate Potter, Austin TX

[Bosaiya]

The great thing about wax is that you get to whip out your container of Dr. Zog's Sex Wax and frighten the people around you. Just chuckle and say "No no no, this? It's for my dark slide!"

[Robert Hughes]

The great thing about wax is that you get to whip out your container of Dr. Zog's Sex Wax and frighten the people around you.

I suppose this stuff come in a long tube?

Does it take AA batteries?

[matthew blais]

Dryer sheets...anti-static and puts a smooth coat of something for an easy slide

[kev curry]

Never used a lubricant but I did give it a light rub with some sandpaper... the edge of the dark slide that is!

[BrianShaw]

Given the delicate nature of that operation, I assume you used a very fine sandpaper -- like 600 or 800 grit... just to give it a bit of a polish on the edges?