Film Sag in 7X17 holders

[steve sherman]

Is there any magic which will prevent 7X17 film from bowing out in

the middle of the holder if the camera is pointed even a tiny bit in

the downward direction? Lowering the camera closer to the ground to

pick up added subject matter is obvious, however that does change

depth relationships within the photograph. Thanks

[c_p_goerz]

A 1/2" tab of double sided tape on the septum in the center of your holder.

 

CP Goerz.

[jeff_buckels]

CP: I don't get what you're saying. -JB

[michael_mutmansky1]

Jeff,

 

You can get some double sided tape (low tack!, or do something to reduce the tack before you put it on for easy removal) and place a small piece in the middle of the structural piece (normally plastic) that makes up the center of the filmholder.

 

When you put the film into the holder, slide it in, and then push the film down onto the tape in the center once it's in position. As long as you don't go through a lot of heat and/or time with the holder, it should hold the film tight against the septum.

 

FWIW, I don't see any problems with film sag with the 7x17. The sheet is just too small in the 7" direction to cause problems. That, and the fact that I typically am shooting stopped down for corner sharpness eliminate any problems that can be tracked to flatness.

 

I don't shoot with the camera pointing straight down typically, but if you do, the tape should address the issue.

 

---Michael

[carl_weese]

Steve,

 

I haven't run into film sag with 7x17--though it's true I generally

shoot with the camera back aligned plumb, I have done

close-ups with the camera pointing down from time to time. A

problem you could mistake for 'film sag' is film "pop" which I find

7x17 quite susceptible to. This happens most often when cool

dry film holders from a case or pack are shot in warmer, moister

atmospheric conditions. As in, shots in early morning as the sun

rises and makes interesting mist in the woods as it warms the

air and ground dew. The only solution I know of is to pull the

slide, wrap up the camera, and give the film a minute or two to

deal with the bellows-full of damp air. If you don't wait, you get a

ripple of soft focus somewhere, not necessarily in the

center.---Carl