Film clips are small fastening devices made from metal or plastic, used in traditional film photography to keep a length of processed film straight and flat while it dries after chemical development. Without clips to hold the film taut, the emulsion can curl or buckle as it dries, which can make subsequent handling, inspection, and printing more difficult.
Typically, one clip is attached to the top of the film strip to hang it vertically from a drying line or rail, while a second weighted clip is fastened to the bottom to apply gentle downward tension. This keeps the film suspended in a straight, even position throughout the drying process, helping to prevent curl, kinks, and unwanted contact with other surfaces that could cause scratches or marks on the emulsion.
Film clips are a simple but essential piece of equipment in any darkroom or film processing setup. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different film formats, and some designs include a soft grip or protective coating to minimise the risk of damaging the edges of the film during use.