Graflex.org

[crawdad]

When I take polaroids, I've noticed that I'm getting a scratch right across the middle of the film from L to R. It is a very fine scratch line. I have the 545 holder (sherman tank model) and I've taken it apart twice now to clean and inspect and still can't find the problem. Since it is just a polaroid, it's not a major problem, but it annoys the heck out of me just the same.
Has anyone experienced this problem that may be able to steer me to a solution.

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Ron

[Les]

If the line is broken/dotten or not continuous, then I'd suspect somethin on the rollers. If it truly is a scratch, Then I'd look around the roller area for something the film could rub against, maybe a burr on the metal catch that keeps the darkslide from coming all the way out? maybe around the door area?

[crawdad]

Les, is the metal catch your talking about the one that lays across the holder that is sort of pointed on one end and flat on the other. If so, this was the first thing I looked at. I checked the rollers and the rubber squeegy like thing as well, but couldn't find anything. I'm baffeled! Can you think of anything else? Thanks

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Ron

[crawdad]

Envelope Latch! That's was I was trying to say. S.K. Grimes has a good schematic on his site just in case anyone is interested.

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Ron

[JoePhoto]

I had a similar problem with the holder on a Polaroid 600SE camera. It seems that excess developer would build up and adhere to the slot that the film passes through after it goes through the rollers and might not be noticed. Once it hardens it causes a slight impression and affects the coating in that part of the film causing a streak. If you hold the finished print by the slot the way it passed through the rollers you may find you may find a little dudball stuck there. It might also be intermittant if you occasionally don't pull straight up or out.

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