Cleaning/painting sheet film holders?

[eli griggs]

I have gathered a dozen or so different 4x5 sheet film holders and I need some guidance on cleaning metal corrosion and repainting.

Some of the holders appear to be metal, perhaps aluminum, others are plastic and still others are wood. I can post makes latter if needed but what steps do you recommend I take to put these in working order?

I also need to know what pitfalls to avoid; what in your experience should I avoid?

As for paint, I don't have camera paint but I do have flat carbon black acrylic (Golden brand) paint and medium. Has anyone here used this and if so, what was the result?

Cheers

[David A. Goldfarb]

I don't think it's necessary to paint them. If the paint is too thick, it could change the registration distance of the film. For the wood ones, I suppose you could use something like an ebony colored stain that would be absorbed into the wood.

If they are clean, and the flaps aren't falling off, the light trap isn't too worn, and the septums and darkslides aren't cracked, then they are in working order.

[John Kasaian]

I'd give them a good vacume. The micro attachment for a shop vac can get you into most of the tight spots. Check them with 4x5 photo paper for leakage. Cannibalize any leakers for parts to keep the others 'on line'

I have tried painting holders but they always come out kind of gnarly looking. There is nohing to be gained IMHO.
If corrosion is flaking off steel parts you could try to remove it with WD-40 and a coarse cloth. I don't know what you could use on aluminium.

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I recently touched up a fairly large number of older 4x5 holders. Lisco, Riteways, Fidelity. I used a black magic marker with a broad tip to touch up the metal on the darkslides. With my luck it will come off on my hands but I guess that is the price I pay. So far it's working fine. I would imagine that automotive touch-up paint would work well if not better.

I did use the magic marker on the inside of the holder where there were bright 'rub' spots. I used lemon pledge on the darkslides too. Spray a small bit on each side of the darkslide and wipe down with a soft cloth or paper towel.
It really helped my holders as the slides go in and out much easier.

[Barry S]

If you have a bit of surface corrosion on the metal parts, rubbing with some fine steel wool will do a good job getting it off.

[eli griggs]

Thanks everyone, I really want to do these holders right and this is all helpful.

Cheers