Static electricity discharges

Roger Hicks

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Anyone else ever have trouble with 'em? It's only ever happened to me once, about 30 years ago, with a Tessina. But it was impressive (see pic)!

Cheers,

R.
 

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Great accident. I've only once had them in almost epidemic shape - but none falling as decoratively into the image. In my case probably a combination of something omitted in the production of a Ektachrome batch with the RZ67 motor drive spooling on faster than common for 120. But it seems to be a widespread issue in aerial photography, where it is quite common for the air humidity to drop to positively unhealthy levels.
 
Great accident. I've only once had them in almost epidemic shape - but none falling as decoratively into the image. In my case probably a combination of something omitted in the production of a Ektachrome batch with the RZ67 motor drive spooling on faster than common for 120. But it seems to be a widespread issue in aerial photography, where it is quite common for the air humidity to drop to positively unhealthy levels.

I couldn't believe my luck! Once in 40+ years! The discharge is double-ended, and effectively symmetrical, but the other end (in the next 14x21mm frame) was nothing like as beautifully placed. It was, of course, a cold, dry day.

As for Rob-F, I'm pretty sure that what you are describing are not static marks, but stress or pressure marks from bending. They're quite easy to replicate.

Cheers,

R.
 
I couldn't believe my luck! Once in 40+ years! The discharge is double-ended, and effectively symmetrical, but the other end (in the next 14x21mm frame) was nothing like as beautifully placed. It was, of course, a cold, dry day.

As for Rob-F, I'm pretty sure that what you are describing are not static marks, but stress or pressure marks from bending. They're quite easy to replicate.

Cheers,

R.

Yep, I have had both. I think the last (maybe only) static discharge was in Korea in the 74-76 time frame. I got more careful after that. It seems most likely to occur when re-winding fast in very cold dry times.

Pressure marks I only got once also (at least on other than the reel end). I try to learn from my mistakes (and I have learned a lot).
 
Anyone else ever have trouble with 'em?
Like many problems they have been addressed by the film vendors. Some early polyester stocks were particularly "evil". Most modern films these days have on their bases an anti-static treatment.
It's only ever happened to me once, about 30 years ago, with a Tessina.
A combination, I'd guess, of motor drive, plastic cartridges, the felt used and film without an anti-static..
 


Nikkor 300 2.8 IF-ED AIS on F2AS/MD2 motordrive, 25 ASA Tech Pan

While I haven't seen it in some time, static used to be quite common when using a motor drives in Alberta's dry climate. You can see the static discharge in the lower left-hand corner.
 
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I never had that kind of luck with static electricity and photography. Though I'm often victim of it myself on dry cold days.

Worst experience: Turning on a machine in the office and getting a massive static shock through my right hand, and spilling hot coffee over the other hand as a result. 🙁
 
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