Dust problems Graflex Pacemaker on 4x5 negative

[Repko]

Hello. Does anyone know this kind of dust and what could cause it? I am using a Graflex Pacemaker and the problems occurs quite regularly. The particles are quite big and look like spiders. The chemicals I use are all fresh and the Lisco Regall II film holders are clean. It occurs mostly on the edges on the negative (on the long side). The images 2400dpi samples.

My guess is it could be a static charged camera/film holder, that attracts dust from the focal plane shutter, bellows or light seal felt of the Graflex. Some images have it, others in the same developing batch don't. I tried to expose a negative and opened the holder for inspection, but I can't see the particles. Any help is appreciated.

[Graham]

Is it maybe a decomposing darkslide door/felting?

[Repko]

Is it maybe a decomposing darkslide door/felting?

Thank you for the suggestion. It could be the felting in combination with a static charge. Do others recognize the shape? And do you think it is the felting in the film holder or in the camera. I thought it could also be dust from a decomposing curtain shutter.

[ic-racer]

You could see if they collect on the darkslide when you fire the shutter a few times.

[jp]

How do you store film holders? Before I started using plastic antistatic ziplock style bags, paper near my film holders would shed fibers that look kinda like that.

Dusting out the camera should be pretty easy and would eliminate camera dust as a possibility.

[Robbie Bedell]

I have a very, very old speed graphic which makes similar lint. On mine it comes from the inside of the bellows.

[LabRat]

Before you use old cameras/holders, you should get a shop vac with the small brush tools and throughly vac out the insides, and do it once in awhile to remove lint/dust, and even cases/bags, then store them in plastic bags to keep clean...

On holders, the slides can have rough edges that can damage the light trap felt, so a good idea to polish edges with 400 grit emery paper carefully, them wash the slides with dishwashing detergent and running water (leave a trace of the detergent on as that will make the slide anti static) and dry...

Some films have a rough cut on the edge, that has residue, so run your fingers over edges, and if loading in a darkroom, tap the sheet on a clean surface (llike a deck of cards to knock off possible particles if a problem with your film batch...

Steve K

[Repko]

Thank you for all the comprehensive answers. I’ve ordered a pile of anti static zip-lock bags and will also get one of these small vacuum cleaners with a brush. Kind Regards from Holland, Repko

[Graham]

It seems the best answers have been given, but it's worth noting that the curtain material on the pacemakers shouldn't decompose in that fashion. The fibers of dust don't look woven the same way as other curtain fabrics either.

Good luck!