Mamiya Universal Polaroid back DIY Dark Slide ?

[hans voralberg]

I lost my dark slide somewhere, so I'm trying to find a DIY solution to make a substitute, have anyone done this before? And any recommendation for material? I'm thinking thin plastic sheet used to make folder but finding a black one is tough lol.

 

[thinkfloyd]

Can't you spray paint the plastic black, then cover with lacquer or something? I'm just guessing here, I don't have a Mamiya Universal 🙂

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

If you are going to try plastic - a good model supplies store will stock 'Plasticard' sheets, ( black or white ) in various thickness's - 0.005",0.010",0.020",0.030" etc.,etc. They should also keep small brass and alloy sheets, in various thickness - I have used these in the past.
Cheers, Dave.

 

[hans voralberg]

If you are going to try plastic - a good model supplies store will stock 'Plasticard' sheets, ( black or white ) in various thickness's - 0.005",0.010",0.020",0.030" etc.,etc. They should also keep small brass and alloy sheets, in various thickness - I have used these in the past.
Cheers, Dave.

thanks Dave great idea 😀

 

[Al Kaplan]

Traditional sheet film and plate holders used black slides but many more modern camera backs used stainless steel, such as Hasselblad. The main consideration is that light shouldn't go through it. Some brands of "black" dark slides weren't safe for use with infrared film, which used to be available in sheet sizes.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Just put the micrometer on one of my Mamiya Press dark slides - for what it's worth - 0.25mm thick, or in good old imperial measurement - 0.010" ( 10thou. ) 🙂
Dave.
P.S. the tricky part is getting smooth, undistorted edges, and parallel of course!....especialy if using metal!