Anti-static Bags (aka "pink ziplocks")

[wallrat]

I'm going to order some bags for holding my film holders. I only shoot 4x5 and the 6x9" bags hold 2 holders quite nicely. I would like to order the 4mil thick bags but minimum quantity is 1000 and it's $124. That's only $0.12 each which is cheaper than ziplock bags (avg is $0.15) and 3 times as thick (almost) and they repel dust and dissipate any static buildup on the holder. If I could find someone to split the purchase with me 50/50 (or 4 to go 25% each) I'll do the 4 mil, otherwise I'll go with the 2mil (which are still .5mil thicker than ziplocks) @ $68 / 1000. Anyone interested? You can see them at the link below and I have numerous samples in hand. http://www.uline.com/BL_7850/4-Mil-Anti-Static-Reclosable-Bags

[wallrat]

I would also go for the 9 x 12 bags which would hold 2 8x10 or 4 4x5 holders (I can't verify 8x10's as I don't have any 8x10 holders) but it would also allow anti-static storage of lenses, smaller cameras, etc. It may go further as a handy item to own. The price difference is negligible.

[Larry Gebhardt]

Will the 6x9 also hold a 5x7 holder?

[wallrat]

Yeah, it would. If you would want to hold 2 though we would need a slightly bigger bag. We can determine the size though. I just need you to measure the actual size of the holder and the depth of it as well (if 2 per bag matters to you). I think you get more for your money if you can do 2 per bag.

[wallrat]

Actually, just to be sure, can you give me those measurements anyway? All of my 5x7 holders are packed for the move.

[Steve Smith]

I'm not sure if it's the same in the US but over here, black or metalised bags will dissipate static. i.e. they are conductive whereas the pink bags are purely non static generating.


Anti static bags or static dissipative bags, whether clear or tinted are used to pack non ESD sensitive items destined for use in an EPA. They are low cost, will not hold electrostatic charge and offer little in terms of ESD protection.

http://www.antistat.co.uk/section.php/57/1/pink_anti_static_bags


Steve.

[wallrat]

Good question Steve. According to the rep at Uline these do both, however, the non-sealing pink bags are made from a different material that only prevents generation. According to the rep, these are identical to the black bags (same plastic compound) but see-thru. The non-sealing variety are completely different. I can't back that up though as I have to trust them. One thing I can say is at 6 - 12 cents each, they beat regular ziplocks hands down. Thanks for the comment as I honestly hadn't given it much thought past my initial inquiry.

-Bill

[wallrat]

However, as to Steve's point, if anyone decides to split an order and his question is a make or break point, I'd be happy to email them to get confirmation and CC anyone on the email. The last thing I want to do is mislead someone, especially over $60 :)

-Bill

[Larry Gebhardt]

Actually, just to be sure, can you give me those measurements anyway? All of my 5x7 holders are packed for the move.

Just measured the 5x7 holder and it's 9 5/8 x 5 7/8, so I guess it won't fit.

[wallrat]

Yeah, we would have to go to the 8x10 bags which is fine. How deep is the holder? I bet those would hold 2 of the 5x7's and also be more useful for holding lenses, film, etc. Going up to that size adds about $20 / 1000 so $10 if it's split which isn't a big deal

[Larry Gebhardt]

Yeah, we would have to go to the 8x10 bags which is fine. How deep is the holder? I bet those would hold 2 of the 5x7's and also be more useful for holding lenses, film, etc. Going up to that size adds about $20 / 1000 so $10 if it's split which isn't a big deal

I'll split an order of the 8x10 with you, though adding another person would be better. I think 333 bags would be plenty for me.

[wallrat]

I agree, even 2 more. 250 would be plenty for me as well. I'm going to see how well 4 4x5's fit the 8x10 vs the 9x12. I'll let you know but I'm in either way. Let's leave this up for a day or two and see if anyone else is interested.

Thanks!
-Bill

[wallrat]

Ok, I would prefer the 9x12 to the 8x10, but it would add about $20 extra each so I'll stick with 8x10 unless we get another person to go in and soften the blow. The reason I like 9x12 better is that I can put 4 4x5 holders in it and fold it in half so that the holders are in a straight line and fit nicely into my holder cases. Regardless, we'll make it work out.

-Bill

[Leigh]

McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com has 6x8 4mil ziplock bags at 50 for $14.39 under catalog #2053T65
Great folks to deal with. No minimum order and only actual shipping costs, no handling charges.

Here's a link to the catalog page: http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/1557/=k5x773
Scroll down a bit to Antistatic in the left column. They have many other sizes in small quantities.

- Leigh

[wallrat]

Thanks for the link. I'll call them to see if they do bigger quantities and if so how much better the price gets. I want more than 50 but less than 500 (250 would be perfect). These are $0.28 ea for 6x8 and $0.37 ea for 8x10 vs $0.12 and $0.16 respectively. If 25 8x10's would do it and the shipping isn't too bad this may work for other. If so, just let me know. I'm ok with ordering the 2 mil alone at 0.06 each.

-Bill

[wallrat]

This is a great link to have though. They carry a lot of stuff. I've added them to my list of DIY suppliers!

[Leigh]

This is a great link to have though. They carry a lot of stuff. I've added them to my list of DIY suppliers!
McMaster-Carr is my #1 supplier for everything except electronics (Mouser for that stuff).

They have several huge warehouses around the country, including one in California (in the Los Angeles area I think).

- Leigh

[wallrat]

Nice. I use Mouser as well. I also use smallparts.com a lot as their prices are excellent and you can use your AmazonPrime account for free 2 day shipping!

[wallrat]

I just got off the phone with them. The shipping isn't too bad ($9 for 5 of any size) but the cost is too high for the bags as there is no price break for quantity. If 50 would last me a long time that would be fine but I want to do this once and not have to worry about it again so I want around 250 :) I'm still digging around their site for other things. Cool site, but does seem to be a bit pricey on most things.

[erie patsellis]

IIRC, Uline is a bit on the expensive side, try www.clearbags.com, though I used the silver bags in the past and don't know if they carry the pink ones. Their clear open ended bags are ideal for negatives, and I use many of their products to package prints and note cards as well.

[Roger Cole]

McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com has 6x8 4mil ziplock bags at 50 for $14.39 under catalog #2053T65
Great folks to deal with. No minimum order and only actual shipping costs, no handling charges.

Here's a link to the catalog page: http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/1557/=k5x773
Scroll down a bit to Antistatic in the left column. They have many other sizes in small quantities.

- Leigh

I seem to recall you use the Riteway locking holders as I do. Do they fit in the 6x8 bags ok? I just measured a holder and it's exactly, close as I can tell anyway, 8" high to the top of the handle on the slide, by 4.75" wide. 6x9 would be better as it would allow a little room. Looks like the Riteways might just fit in the 6x8 but might be fussy to get closed?

[wallrat]

I did but they didn't have what I was looking for. They do carry the metallic bags but I need more "give" in the bag. They are cheaper than the other site but are about 50% again more than Uline. I appreciate the link though. It's always nice to have these suppliers in my bookmarks!

[wallrat]

Roger, the bags are 6x9 not 6x8. There is a bit of extra room at the top but it's a nice fit. 8x10 & 9x12 are also being considered as 5x7 holders are being used. For me, the 6x9s or 9x12's are perfect. I'm ok either way. I actually see that the 9x12's could have more uses but I'm fine either way.

This response is in reference to the original bags I'm looking at and have samples of from Uline (4mil 6x9)

[Roger Cole]

Roger, the bags are 6x9 not 6x8. There is a bit of extra room at the top but it's a nice fit. 8x10 & 9x12 are also being considered as 5x7 holders are being used. For me, the 6x9s or 9x12's are perfect. I'm ok either way. I actually see that the 9x12's could have more uses but I'm fine either way.

Yeah, I was replying to Leigh. The ones on the site he links are 6x8. 6x9 would work fine for me and my Riteways. I would go in 1/4 on a carton of 6x9s if the 6x8s are too tight. I think 9x12 would add too much plastic. I've recently been on the warpath against dust and realized that putting more than one holder per bag was not a good idea. Right now I have all my holders in individual gallon ziplocks as the Riteways won't fit in the quart ones, and there's lots of extra bag. I used to put five holders in one gallon ziplock. They fit, but it's not an ideal situation for dust. Contamination on one when removed can easily get to the others when you put it back.

The link Leigh posted has smaller quantities so I thought about getting those if they'd fit. OTOH, while 1/4 of the ones from your site would be more money, it would be a lot more bags, practically a lifetime supply.

[wallrat]

I thoroughly agree. I was just trying to accomodate as many people as I can. If you are ok with 2 mil thick (ziplocks are 1.5) we could split a 6x9 2 mil order 2 ways @ $34 for 500 + shipping.

[wallrat]

Btw, I found a couple of other suppliers that are a bit cheaper yet have the same (supposed) quantity. I've requested samples from both companies. I'm going to wait to order until after I receive them. At that point I'll post the best price for the bags I could find. This is the second time I've tried to find people to go in on ordering these bags and I'm finally to the point I'll just order the 1000 alone if needed. I can then package them in lots of 50 or so and sell them at a slight profit to liquidate the ones I don't need. Roger, if you are still interested when I post the final prices I find I'm still all good to go. I guess what I'm saying is I'm ordering either way.

Have a great weekend guys,
-Bill

[Roger Cole]

Yeah, I'm interested. Kind of busy this week but I'll drop you a PM.

[wallrat]

Np Roger, I'm not in that big of a hurry either. I tried an 8x8 bag to see if my holders may fit a 6x8 and as I assume we already knew, it won't. However, if someone is shooting 5x7 and wants to go in, i'm ok with 8x10 bags which will hold both 4x5 and 5x7 holders (1 or 2 of either). So, it's either 6x9 or 8x10.

Have a good thanksgiving guys if I don't talk to you before,

-Bill

[John Kasaian]

I've never had a problem with keeping my film holders in ordinary zip-locks from Wal-mart (Hefty Jumbos for my 8x10s) and the San Joaguin Valley is a pretty dry & dusty place (although there are certainly drier and dustier places!) Have you had any experiences that justify the expense of special anti-static bags in your neck of the woods?

[wallrat]

I live next door to you (until 1/1/13 that is) in Stanislaus county. Yes, I've had dust issues, a number of times. One thing to keep in mind is that these are actually cheaper unless you are using the super cheap generic 1 mil bags and thicker. I don't use those because they rip. I currently use Ziplock Freezer Gallon bags which average $0.15 each and I don't like to keep more than 2 holders per bag so I end up with a ton of extra bag in my holder cases. The 6x9 bags fit 2 4x5's perfectly, have only 1/2" extra bag on top, are static free, and cost $0.06 each so it's a win win. The only reason I started the thread is that I won't use 1000 of them in 5 years so I hoped to split it with someone.

[Roger Cole]

I've never had a problem with keeping my film holders in ordinary zip-locks from Wal-mart (Hefty Jumbos for my 8x10s) and the San Joaguin Valley is a pretty dry & dusty place (although there are certainly drier and dustier places!) Have you had any experiences that justify the expense of special anti-static bags in your neck of the woods?


I live next door to you (until 1/1/13 that is) in Stanislaus county. Yes, I've had dust issues, a number of times. One thing to keep in mind is that these are actually cheaper unless you are using the super cheap generic 1 mil bags and thicker. I don't use those because they rip. I currently use Ziplock Freezer Gallon bags which average $0.15 each and I don't like to keep more than 2 holders per bag so I end up with a ton of extra bag in my holder cases. The 6x9 bags fit 2 4x5's perfectly, have only 1/2" extra bag on top, are static free, and cost $0.06 each so it's a win win. The only reason I started the thread is that I won't use 1000 of them in 5 years so I hoped to split it with someone.

Pretty much exactly my case, except that I recently went to one holder per gallon size bag and there's even more wasted plastic in the way. I like the locking Riteway holders, but they don't fit in quart ziplocks, and the gallons are way over sized. Plus these are cheaper per bag, and the anti-static properties, well, that may not help but it can't hurt.

[wallrat]

Precisely my thoughts. Even if they were the same price and just as thick and didn't dissipate static, the fit is perfect which actually allows me to fit 1 extra holder in each one of my cases due to less plastic. I just use soft-side lunch pails from target, but they are an exact fit. I can now get 10 holders in each eliminating the plastic from the ziplocks. I'm on the fence as to whether to go 4 mil or 2. I prefer the 4, but I realize the price is higher. I guess it assumes what the budget is of those finally going in on it. I'm ok with the $62 (+ shipping for 500 bags) but I realize others may not be. I'll most likely sell off a hundred or 2 at a slight profit to lower my overall cost (or I may just keep them). The 2 mil is $34 + shipping for 500. $30 isn't a big deal to me but again I realize it may be to others and I'm fine either way. Thanks for everyone's comments and questions. This is a great forum that I enjoy visiting every day!

-Bill

P.S. John, what do you shoot? If you ever want someone to go with you when you go out shooting, ping me :) I live off 99 and Pelandale in Modesto. I'm moving to Marin county in January though.

[Roger Cole]

That much money isn't a big deal to me either, but part of my mind says "for ZIPLOCKS?? FIVE HUNDRED ZIPLOCKS??" ;)

[wallrat]

I agree which is why I was hoping to get 4 total people. I'll try to sell a couple of "hundred packs" to friends to cut the price in half (i.e. $15 for 100 bags to them)

[Peter Spangenberg]

You might try staticbags.com. Good prices and you can order small numbers or large with a volume discount. On the left side of their home page, just look at the bottom for "pink anti static bags".

[wallrat]

I looked at their site already but thanks (and it took a while as it's a horrible site!) They don't carry 6x9 in the zip-top, only open top and the metallic which won't work. I appreciate the post though.

Also, their prices are the highest I have yet to find. They want > $1.00 / bag! 8 bags is $10.50, 16 is $20!

-Bill

[Peter Spangenberg]

Yeah- I use the "seal top" variety and they are much cheaper. 6x8 is 11.20 for 50 and 9x12 is 13.90 for 50. They stay shut fine but don't have a sliding "zipper". They are the 4 mil pink, not metallic.

[wallrat]

Hm, but they are still ziplock? Usually seal tops require a heat sealer to melt the top closed, i.e. when selling products, etc. My company has a sealer and uses the seal top bags but they are just basically the tubes that are cut and pre-sealed on the bottom. Maybe this side uses non-standard wording. The other bummer is we have to have 6x9, 6x8 is too small for a 4x5 holder. I appreciate the thought though.

-Bill

[Peter Spangenberg]

They are just like plastic bags that seal by sliding your fingers across grooved male/female pieces at the open end. there is a picture if you click on the "Pink anti static bags" entry at the bottom of the purple bordered section on the left side of the page. No heat involved.

[Peter Spangenberg]

I just checked my wife's zip lock brand bags in the kitchen, and the seal mechanism is identical. I have seen bags with a white slider that seals the bag, and these don't have that.

[wallrat]

Ah, yeah I see those now. Their site and choice of wording leaves a lot to be desired. Their price for 200 is about $42 which isn't so bad, but I can get another 300 for $20 more and sell them, ending up cheaper in the end. Their prices are much higher than even Uline, $70 more per 1000. The smaller quantities may have made it worth it had they sold 6x9's. The picture makes the bag look a lot cheaper made, but again it's hard to tell from a picture. It's all for not though since we want 6x9 for sure. 6x9 seems to be a rare size, only 2 of the dozen or so sites I've searched carry that size. I think I'm going with 4 mil 6x9's from Uline for $62 / 500. I'll sell off 200 of them @ $15 / 100 and end up with 300 bags for $30. That works well for me. Even if I never sell them, I'm ok, just hoping to help out others in the process. Again, thanks.

-Bill

[Peter Spangenberg]

No problem. Glad you found them. I usually buy in smaller quantities and shoot 5x7 and 8x10 so I don't have your odd size issue. The construction is quite good, and they are durable. Mine have gone for years, and the only damage is a couple of the large bags for 8x10 have a split seam.

[wallrat]

That's excellent and great to know. I assume the use of them has had a noticeable effect on dust...or should I say "not noticeable" :)

-Bill

[Peter Spangenberg]

Perhaps I'm superstitious, but I have no dust on my negatives. This started after I began using the bags. I use 1 bag per holder, and they last forever.

[wallrat]

That's what I like to hear. It's good to know they last a long time. I would like to eventually (after selling some off), end up with about 200 to 250 so I never have to order them again :)

[drew.saunders]

I just ordered the 6x8" McMaster-Carr "Static Shielding" bags, item 4663T3 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/118/1557/=k6j44g), 25 for $9. I ordered them last night and they arrived this afternoon! A 4x5 holder just fits and seals, but a 6x10" (4663T4) would be easier to seal. I don't mind the extra effort to seal them, but if I were ordering again, I'd spend the extra 64 cents for the 10" ones. I can't fit two holders in one bag, which I think someone was asking about in this thread, but that's fine. They seem pretty well made and thick enough. I have 22 film holders that are good, so a bag of 25 was just right.

That website is dangerous! There are far too many nice things there!

[Roger Cole]

What kind of 4x5 holder "just fits and seals?" I'm thinking those are the usual Fidelity ones. The Riteways I have use a darkslide with a longer, protruding handle and measure almost exactly 8" from bottom to the top of the handle. So whether they'd fit literally depends on whether that is an inside or outside measurement, and even if it's inside I imagine they'd be unworkably tight.

[wallrat]

Yeah, I have Fidelity Elites and Riteways and they don't fit in an 8" bag. I appreciate the responses. I'm going with the Uline's for $62 for 500. I'll sell 100 lots for $20 (vs $36 from McMaster-Carr) and end up with 200 free. I already have 100 sold to a friend so selling the final 200 should not be hard. Free for my trouble :)

Thanks again all, I am all good and I appreciate everyones input. If anyone would like to go in on the 1000 bag order from Uline (Roger or others), email me (billp <at> billpratt <dot> net) and I'll sell you 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 or 1/5 for the actual cost plus actual shipping. That comes out to $64 / 500, $42-ish for 333, $32 / 250, $25 for 200. I want to keep at least 200 so 5ths is as low as I'll go. I'll order and put up the money and since I'm in California, as is Uline, the shipping is cheap. I'll then just ship regular usps manilla envelope to you. I'll close the "ordering window" at the end of next week and order then.

Again, please email me. If you just post in this thread there is a good chance I won't see it.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone,
-Bill

[drew.saunders]

What kind of 4x5 holder "just fits and seals?" I'm thinking those are the usual Fidelity ones. The Riteways I have use a darkslide with a longer, protruding handle and measure almost exactly 8" from bottom to the top of the handle. So whether they'd fit literally depends on whether that is an inside or outside measurement, and even if it's inside I imagine they'd be unworkably tight.

Fidelity and Toyo, but the Fidelity fit a bit better.

[Roger Cole]

Fidelity and Toyo, but the Fidelity fit a bit better.

Yeah, no way my Riteways would fit then.