A quick question about film holders & coatings

[Stephan.in.Belgium]

I just realised the other day that some of my 4x5 Fidelity film holders have pretty big spots of flaking on the black coating on the inside. I've never noticed any flare or anything from them, but I was wondering whether it could be lowering contrast locally ? Since I haven't tested the film holders one by one so I have no proper comparison.

[Ralph Barker]

Usually, the anti-halation layer of the film will prevent light from reaching the inner surface of the holder and reflecting back through the film. Under very bright conditions or with strong spectral reflections you might get some bounce-back, however. I'd lightly sand the peeling areas with 600 grit wet/dry and give them a light re-painting with flat black spray paint.

[Stephan.in.Belgium]

Thanks, I'll do that :)

[Glenn Thoreson]

The bigger danger is having the flakes attach themselves to your film. The would surely ruin your day.