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Bosaiya · Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 23 Location: Seattle

I did a search using a number of phrases but came up empty. If this has been discussed I'd love a pointer to the right answer.

I just received two 4x5 bag magazines and they both have the same issue: If I pull the handle to raise the septum only partway the septum gets stuck in between where it cannot be grasped nor pushed back down. By partway I mean enough that the bottom of the first septum raises and allows the next to slide forward, but not far enough that I can grasp the raised septum and retrieve it, nor can I push it back down. Looks like about an inch or so.

The only way to clear the jam that I can tell is to pull the back off (or remove the lens and go through the camera) and push the second septum back and then doing a little song-and-dance to get the first one to go back down (or pushed all the way up). That or unload all the septa. Neither of which is conducive to film conservation. If I pull it all the way out the way it was intended everything is fine, so I don't think there's any sort of mechanical problem with the magazines.

Is there a trick involved other than "If you're going to do something have the good sense not to do it halfway"?

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

I think you have the answer. When you want to change the septum, pull it all the way back. If you stop in the middle of this operation, the next septum will be rising into place and you probably won't be able to push it back in. Check to make sure the septums are placed in the magazine facing the right direction. If they're backward it can cause jamming. Open end faces away from the bag. Make sure none of the septums are warped or bent, even a little. That can make them useless. Make sure the slide pulls back smoothly and all the way. It can be lubed with wax. No oil or grease. Some bags are lined with wool(?). Check that there are no snags or holes worn in the liner, if it has one. This will catch the corner of the septum and it won't pull back all the way. Good luck. I love these bag mags.
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Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

Bosaiya · Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 23 Location: Seattle

The septa and bag are in great shape, so I guess it's just a matter of technique. I like them as well, but this is going to be the death of more than one piece of film - I can feel it.

Thanks!

Billy Canuck · Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada

Hi Bosaiya,
I found practice is the key. I had a lot of trouble with my first bag mag, so I sat down and practiced with 12 empty septa until I could change through all of them smoothly. No trouble after that.
There's a nice scan of the original bag mag manual on photo net which I found very useful:
http://photo.net/large-format-photography-forum/00Ibmj

Bosaiya · Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 23 Location: Seattle

Thanks, Billy. A member had emailed a copy. It can be comforting to know that the problem is no with oneself, it can also lead to more frustration at times. Fortunately forewarned is forearmed and I have yet to jam a holder with live film in it. Of course there's always a first time.

45PSS · Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 4:30 am Post subject:

With limited internet access via my computer where the info is, I check PM's infrequently and post even less these days. At least for the next few months, the jpeg version is 82kb and the tiff version is 1.4gb., leave a pm with your email address and which version you would like and I'll eventually send it to you.
Charles
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.