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Thread: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

  1. #1

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    Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    So far I have purchased almost 100 4x5 sheet film holders - some new, some used and some worthless upon receipt.

    More than a few are missing their "L" locks next to the dark slides. Others have "L" locks that would rotate if a butterfly landed on it.

    So, can I add or replace the problematic "L" locks?

    Thank you.
    Terry

  2. #2
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    You can install replacements if you can find them.

    The originals had "wood screw" threads, not machine screw threads.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  3. #3

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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    Leigh,

    Yeah, the problem is finding exact replacements.

    I wonder if any standard hardware store item can be substituted?

  4. #4
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    I checked an industrial fastener supplier that I use. They had nothing similar.

    You might try a craft shop. I expect they're used to hold artwork together.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  5. #5

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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    Never really took a film holder apart, are these wood or the modern plastic holders ?
    Those L locks seem easy enough to find on McMaster or to fabricate out of 2mm diameter brass rod stock
    with a thread die if it's a machine screw thread. On the plastic holders I have they're captive
    the wood ones have a wood screw thread.

  6. #6
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    In another thread, someone recommended using rubber bands to secure the dark slides.

    I believe 100 rubber bands of the appropriate size cost about $1 or so.

  7. #7

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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    Instead of rubber bands, I am using colorful wide elastic hair bands from a Dollar Tree store. Blue for unexposed, Red for exposed. One band around three sheet film holders all "head down" into a plastic Zip bag in an ancient Speed Graphic case that I use to tote gear to locations. That way with a quick glance I can see the status of my film.

    I only use plastic 4x5 sheet film holders because I read here that wood ones warp.

  8. #8

    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    Quote Originally Posted by Leigh View Post
    The originals had "wood screw" threads, not machine screw threads.
    Toyo holders have machine screw threads. One of the reasons why I prefer them to Fidelity.

  9. #9

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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    I've done this with wood film holders. I'm not sure what to do if yours are plastic though.
    Unscrew one of the ells and take it with you to a real hardware store. If they have replacements, cool but likely not. Buy the correct gauge anyway, measure carefully and cut down the unthreaded end (they'll likely be too long) a few swipes with a mill bastard will take care of sharp edges and bend a new ell with two pliers(or grab one end so the end of the pliers are where you want the bend and push down on a hard surface to bend a new ell.) Screw the new piece into place. You're done. I've done this many, many times and it worked just fine.
    "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White

  10. #10

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    Re: Some film holders are missing the "L" locks, can I insert some?

    Search for right angle hooks - something like this
    http://mdmetric.com/fastindx/TI-31.pdf
    You might be able to find a similar size.

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