Repair LF film holders - light leaks

[brianentz]

I would imagine the good filks here have some advice, tips and tricks for repairing older film holders that have light leaks. I’m all ears.


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[Vaughan]

Depends on where the light leaks are, and the type of holder. More details would be helpful, and ideally photos of negatives showing the leaks.

Bookbinders tape is usually used to fix the hinge end of the holder. Leaks through the dark slide end can sometimes be fixed by gently fluffing the felt with a thin bent wire.

[phdgent]

I once 'healed' the felt light seal, in which I thought something was stuck (I never knew what) and caused a tiny light leak, by pouring some lighter fuel in the slit and then dry it with the blow of a hairdryer, which perhaps dislodged or dissolved that 'thing'.
Anyway it worked (and still does).

It was an all plastic Fidelity 4"x5" film holder, and it was just a trial-and-error action as I never thought it would work and considered the holder as lost...