Double sided tape for long exposures
To do hours-long exposures (such as star trails at night), I have found it is necessary to find a way to prevent the film from moving. Since the regular double-sided tape is too sticky, in the past I've made my own by gluing a piece of such tape with post-it (TM) tape. Still, the problem I had was that loading and particularly unloading film became difficult, since the film cannot slide anymore.
Is there more suitable adhesive material ? How do you handle the film ?
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
You can reduce the stickiness of the double-sided tape by sticking it onto and removing it from your jeans a couple of times before you use it on your film.
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
I got a couple product samples from 3M -- the tackiness varied from low, med and high. I used a tape that had high on the back and medium towards the film. I do not have the product numbers anymore.
Works, but it was still a hassle to load and unload -- and if the film is left in the holder too long, some adhesive is left on the back of the film (keeping the anti-halation layer from washing off.)
Lost a 11x14 neg to the neg popping last week-end...sigh...
Vaughn
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
Hi Tran,
Sinar makes a film holder with a permanent adhesive for holding the film that will do what you want...
provided you have deeeeeep pockets. :D
- Leigh
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
You need Repositionable ATG tape made by 3m. Tom paiva uses it as well as drew wiley, who gave me the idea. 5 small pieces on an 8x10 holder should do it.
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
that's 3M 928 ATG tape to be more specific.
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
I thought about this link when I saw the question:
http://www.deadbread.com/crumbs/vac.html
Maybe a bit high-tech compared to tape, but I guess it is an interesting read anyway.
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
I have posted repeatedly on this subject. You need to make some dedicated holders
by trimming away the fins which hold the film itself in position. Then the film can
simply be placed placed directly on the reusable ATG tape noted above. It will stay
flat for ten years if necessary.
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
I don't like tape on the film. The solution is to focus the camera, cover it, especially the lens, with the dark cloth and remove the dark slide. Wait 5-10 minutes and then uncover the lens and make the exposure. This allows the ambient atmosphere to penetrate the film and make it pop if necessary prior to making the exposure. No more movement in the image.
Re: Double sided tape for long exposures
Two weeks ago I made three 8.5 hour exposures of star trails in Canyonlands NP - my first. I didn't consider the matter raised here. :(
I'm just about to develop the film so I'll find out shortly if the sheets popped or moved ...