How to replace felt/velvet in dark slide light trap Toyo 8x10 holders

[Dirk Rösler]

Hi there, I love my Toyo 8x10 holders, but one of them has a light leak on the dark slide side. Has anyone tried replacing the light trap fabric and can share experiences? I see some screws at the holder edge, is this how you take them apart? What is a good substitute material?

Thanks

[Nodda Duma]

Hi Dirk,

Usually the black cloth covers a metal comb that acts like a spring. When you take the cover off see if you can just bend it up more without having to take the old cloth off. If you have to remove the cloth, Black flannel works really well as replacement. Shine a light into the dark slide slot and view from other side to see where the light leak is. Wipe down the dark slides with Pledge furniture polish after you’ve put it back together. Helps them slide better.

[Dirk Rösler]

Hey, many thanks... so you think I should loosen all screws around the whole holder to access it?

[John Layton]

This is great info! I wonder if there is some standard or suggested amount of raised clearance for the aforementioned metal comb, which could be checked and adjusted on a regular basis? Of maybe check a new one to establish a standard? (But good luck finding a new holder!)

[Dirk Rösler]

I managed to remove all the screws, but the holder does not come apart at the corners somehow... I am reluctant to use force, never a good idea...

[Nodda Duma]

My guess is that’s an adhesive bond that you would need to break.