Dark Slide Replacement

[Bob Kerner]

I broke a dark slide on an old (I bought it used) Fidelity Elite 4x5 film holder. It cracked, with the crack running from the top near the tab about 3 inches down toward the other end. I don't see how glueing it will fix it; either the glue will impede it from sliding properly or it won't be light tight.

So I went looking for a replacement and some jokers are charging more for a slide than the holder sells for!

Are dark slides made to a standard size such that I can grab the cheapest one (there are some 3d printed options)?

I have a mix of old and new holders....and to my eye (and how they slide in and out of the frame) there seems to be some difference between brands. Maybe it 's just wear and tear.

Thanks

[malexand]

I’d be hesitant getting one 3d printed - and I do a lot of 3d printing.
I’ve been successful repairing some cracks using black jbweld. Tape on both side gets it fairly flat while curing and then some light sanding. Worth a shot anyway - its no good as is.
As for diy replacement, 1/32” or 1/16” garolite can be got at McMaster Carr or on amazon and can be easily cut to size.

[Jim C.]

Darkslides are usually interchangeable within brands and even possibly between brands.
I'm not sure what the material is that Fidelity or for that matter Riteway used for the darkslides
closest I've found is Garolite ( cloth or paper inpregnated phenolic resin ).

There will be some wear and tear on the darkslides epecially old ones, if they become difficult to remove and replace
giving the groove and the darkslide a good cleaning helps.

You didn't say what the tab is made of, I have a stray darkslide that has an aluminum tab
I don't remember the holder brand, you could have for postage, PM me if you want it.

256640

[Doremus Scudder]

Darkslides are not always universally interchangeable. I have several brands of film holders and extra darkslides for some, but some are too wide for other holders, some too long, etc. If you take Jim C up on his generous offer, make sure to measure carefully first.

If I were you, I'd just look for a few of the same kind of holders that are in bad shape and that you can get for cheap and scavenge the darkslides from them.

You could always make one, if you could find a suitable material. It would need to be completely opaque to both visible, UV and IF light (the latter if you ever want to use IF or near IF film. Maybe someone with knowledge of materials will chime in here.

Best,

Doremus

[Bob Kerner]

Thank you everyone. I may just look for an old holder and scavenge the slide out of it.

[Robert Opheim]

You may find someone selling specific dark slides replacements- I found some on ebay a few years ago. They were specific to my holders - which are Lisco, Fidelity, and 4x5 Riteway holders.