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Minimizing Grit
in a Minox
An oft asked question about self loading relates
to scratches on the film. I have not established a
cause for said scratches, indeed there are probably
a variety of causes. Although many come and go
along the length of the film, the scratches I most
frequently see run almost the entire length of the
film. My current theory is that most scratches are
caused by debris OUTSIDE the
cassette which becomes lodged in the opening of the
takeup side. Support for this theory comes from
scratches on "factory loaded" film, coupled with
the observation of no increase in scratching with
my self loaded film. Although careless loading of
cassettes will introduce debris into the supply
side of the cassette, I suspect that a majority of
scratches are NOT the result
of the film slitting and loading process. I am now
exceedingly careful when loading the camera, and
avoid loading in the field whenever possible. I
feel strongly that Joel's suggestion below has, for
me, reduced the problem significantly.
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Minimizing Dust by Joel
Moskowitz
Joel suggests a
technique he adapted to the Minox from a
cinematography class. "Using an ear
syringe, I hold the camera upside down
(gate open) and blow out the film
compartment thoroughly. Upside down
because the syringe only has to dislodge
the dust and gravity removes it from the
camera. Any stronger gust of air might
drive the dust further in. After blowing
out the camera, I immediately (still with
the camera upside down) insert the new
cassette, keeping it clear of any dust
from the camera."
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I surely do not wish to minimize the necessity of
rigor in the darkroom, and run a small negative ion
generator and "drugstore" air purifier in the
darkroom for a couple of hours before slitting and
loading. I also pull the film through an
anti-static film brush or a "Dust Magnet"
antistatic dust cloth while rolling it on the dowel
for insertion into the supply chamber. I did, for
years, use phonograph record "velour" cleaning
pads, so there are a variety of methods for
trapping the potentially damaging grit.
I will be happy top post here (with proper
credit) any other suggestions which might help
fellow Minox aficionados to minimize the impact of
debris on their precious images. Just send a note.
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