Topic: 4x5 Polaroid Back (545Pro) - How to fix the clips...

[original_ann]

Ok, everyone - I need help because I can't admit defeat.

Well.... let's just say I have been a true filmwaster.  I went through about 12 sheets of Type 52 polaroid film and only got 2 images.   Some were due to dried chemicals.  Others just got so dang stuck, I couldn't (with all my might) get the sheet to pull out.  It would get stuck on the clips at the bottom, even though I have the lever in the 'release' position.  AND (on top of that) then it would also get stuck trying to get through the top.

I suspect the difficulty at the top was due to mangling of the envelope clip because with enough force, I'd be able to get the bottom of the polaroid 'envelope' to get past the clips, bending the metal in the process in a fashion that made it not flat as it tried to fit through the rollers - sound about right?

I've opened the polaroid back up but I have NO idea how to fix, bend, or otherwise put the clips in an alignment which will work again.   I just don't have the vision of an engineer and need some help.  So if you'll allow me: 

Here is what it looks like...

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[original_ann]

Oops, I typo'd by the red arrow.  What I'm trying to say is that one clip does not recede below the surface like the other 3.  If I run my finger over it, it is slightly above the surface when I put the lever in a "release" position. 

It seems my problem is mainly that one clip in the left pair of clips... and yet, I just have no idea how to properly manipulate it because you apply the lightest pressure and both clips bend out of the way (they are connected together). 

[sapata]

Have you checked the Polaroid website ?

I have a 545 back (not pro) and had a similar problem but was easily fixed.
I remember getting the information to open and fix from the polaroid website (a pdf file), maybe they have one for your model as well.

Good luck !

[original_ann]

sapata, the only fix provided that I've found is from SK Grimes' site.  He shows exactly what to do with a 545.  (I actually do have a 545 and a 545i - - and they BOTH had problems during this 'waste of 10 sheets'.   

At least with the 545, I know how to completely disassemble, even if it's kind of unclear what you're supposed to do to 'fix' the clip.  (you turn it over and "punch the flat spring"....uhhh okayyyy can someone speak in laymen's terms to me?? Haha). 

I have the 545Pro manual from polaroid.  It does not discuss how to fix the clips if they are bent incorrectly.  It only says that if I'm experiencing what I'm experiencing to open up the unit (which I did) and "check the clips to see if they need to be maintenanced". 

Hmmm... Did you find a "maintanance type manual from the Polaroid site? Did it specifically address what to do with the clips in detail? If so, perhaps there is something out there...

[sapata]

I got the information from this manual... page 13-15:

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:hV_eWbpoDfYJ:www.documentation.com/images/sample_projects/polaroid_sheet_films.pdf+polaroid+545+manual&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgf3Tr6eEV6VtFAnHaVZuOFMW4x-c9a2amIfltDO_fC9SDsqQdMF2neikimSbX_rodDtTT-JEjDXlphDuWT1DHvAq5U5PZ04pIdBmeTaVg4bUqfR8OYJEo9w4j2UdelJTufuDaw&sig=AHIEtbTtt9jYSQQ5Zz4iXLsyzjajdk_P0Q   

Maybe I was lucky I got it fixed at first attempt, (or maybe my problem was diferent than yours...) I can't remember exactly how I did as it was ages ago...at first I though the film was expired or something , It was only after wasting some precious sheets that I realized the clip problem.

[Francois]

The only time I used mine (a very long time ago), from memory, the way I "fixed" it was to slightly flatten the aluminum bar an each Polaroid sheet
It worked to some degree.
Also, I always pressed the release lever and "jiggled" the sheet to feel if it was hooked or not... very scientific I know but I was about 18 at the time...

[original_ann]

Thanks Sapata.  Looks like they wanted to keep the secrets about how to fix the clips to themselves. 

Francois - hmmm... flattening the end clip... wonder if that would help? No I suppose not because once I try to withdraw the sheet, it will get caught on that protruding clip and bend into a position that makes full removal through the rollers darn near impossible. 

Frustrating!  ;-p