Have you ever finished a roll of film early, only to have the camera automatically rewind it back into the canister? Fear not, film photography enthusiasts! This guide will show you two methods for safely retrieving stuck film, whether you have a handy film retriever tool or not.
Method 1: Using a Film Picker
For the most reliable and stress-free film extraction, a film retriever is the way to go. Here’s how to use it:
Take your time and be gentle. Rushing can damage the film.
Insert the pronged end of the retriever into the canister slot.
Slide the first retrieval slide on the tool forward.
Rotate the canister spindle counter-clockwise. Pay close attention for a clicking sound.
Stop after you hear four clicks. This ensures proper film engagement.
Slide the second retrieval slide forward.
With a swift, but controlled pull, separate the retriever and film canister. The film should now be safely extracted!
If you don’t have a film retriever, don’t worry! You can improvise with a spare roll of film. There are video tutorials available online that can walk you through this process in detail the one below is a video I made a few years ago.
Most of us wouldn’t know use or even know about hypo clearing agents and what they do. In this video, I break down the benefits and use case of a HCA, and talk about the Safety, Handling and Disposal of Kodak’s own HCA. You can buy Kodak Hyper Clear here or the Liquid version as Ilford Wash Aid here.
Ilford’s Ilfostop is a prime example of a modern, odourless stop bath. Let’s talk about what’s in it, and how to use it properly. You can order it here
Learn how to create a short roll of film for testing 35mm film cameras using a used film canister and a new roll of film. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and essential tips for photography enthusiasts.
Introduction:
When it comes to testing 35mm film cameras or troubleshooting potential issues, creating a short roll of film can be incredibly helpful. This simple technique allows you to check the functionality and performance of your camera without wasting an entire roll of film. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a short roll of film using a used film canister and a new roll of film.
Step 1: Gather the necessary materials
To begin, gather a used film canister and a fresh roll of 35mm film, tape, scissors and a film changing bag. The used film canister should be empty except for a small bit of residual film that is capable of securely holding the new roll of film.
Step 2: Prepare the canister
Ensure the used film canister is clean and dry. Take a moment to inspect the canister for any physical damage or debris that could affect the film’s performance or scratch the film.
Step 3: Load the new roll of film
Carefully unwind a small portion of the leader from the new roll of film. Cut it in a straight line and tape it to the small leader sticking out of the empty canister. Gently wind the film onto the spool, ensuring it remains taut and evenly distributed throughout the canister.
Step 4: Move the canisters into the darkbag
Pull the two rolls apart inside the dark bag to the desired length of the short roll, I find the width of film changing bag is perfect for a roll of about 12 shots. Ensure the film is fully protected from exposure to light, as even brief exposure can ruin the images.
Step 5: Label the canister
To avoid confusion, label the canister with essential information such as the film type, ISO/ASA rating, and the number of exposures. This labeling will help you keep track of the film’s characteristics during testing.
Step 6: Testing your camera
Now that you have your short roll of film ready, insert it into your 35mm film camera as you would with a regular roll. Follow your camera’s instructions for loading film, advancing frames, and rewinding. Use this opportunity to capture a few test shots in various lighting conditions and different settings. By doing so, you can evaluate the camera’s performance, exposure accuracy, focus, and any potential issues.
Conclusion:
Creating a short roll of film for testing 35mm film cameras is a practical technique that saves both time and resources. By repurposing a used film canister and a new roll of film, you can easily assess your camera’s functionality and troubleshoot any issues before committing to a full roll. This process allows you to fine-tune your camera settings and gain confidence in its performance. Now you’re ready to embark on your photographic journey with a reliable and well-tested film camera!
Remember to have fun and experiment with different settings and subjects to truly understand your camera’s capabilities. Happy shooting!
Are you looking for a high-quality colour negative film that can capture natural colours in daylight conditions and provide enhanced sharpness and resolution for high-resolution scanning? Look no further than Flic Film Elektra 100 – a re-spooled Kodak Aerocolor IV colour negative film originally designed for aerial photography and reconnaissance.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore the features and benefits of Flic Film Elektra 100, including its exposure latitude, colour reproduction, T-Grain emulsion, red sensitivity, green saturation, and D-min values. We will also provide tips for loading the film in low light conditions to avoid light leaks.
Features and Benefits of Flic Film Elektra 100
Exposure Latitude
Flic Film Elektra 100 exhibits a wide exposure latitude, making it easy to achieve proper exposure even in challenging lighting conditions. This film can handle overexposure and underexposure better than many other films on the market, giving you more flexibility in your shooting.
Colour Reproduction
One of the standout features of Flic Film Elektra 100 is its true colour rendition. This film captures natural colours in daylight conditions, ensuring that your images look as true to life as possible. This makes it an excellent choice for portrait, landscape, and street photography, as well as any other situation where accurate colour reproduction is essential.
T-Grain Emulsion
Flic Film Elektra 100 uses a T-Grain emulsion, which is known for its ability to produce sharp and detailed images. This emulsion technology results in enhanced sharpness and resolution, making it an ideal film for high-resolution scanning.
Red Sensitivity
Compared to previous aerial films, Flic Film Elektra 100 has a 30nm-longer red sensitivity. This means that it can penetrate haze better and reproduce foliage more accurately, resulting in images with greater depth and detail.
Green Saturation
In addition to its improved red sensitivity, Flic Film Elektra 100 also boasts increased green saturation. This means that greens appear more vivid and lifelike in your images, making it an excellent choice for landscape and nature photography.
D-min Values
Finally, Flic Film Elektra 100 has lower D-min values than previous aerial films. This means that it requires less exposure to light in order to produce an image, resulting in faster printing times and less need for post-processing.
Loading Flic Film Elektra 100 in Low Light Conditions
While Flic Film Elektra 100 is an excellent film for daylight conditions, it is important to note that it has a tendency to let light travel up the leader and into the first three frames. To avoid this, it is recommended that you load the film in low light conditions, such as in a changing bag or in a dimly lit room.
When loading the film, be sure to handle it carefully to avoid touching the emulsion side. Once the film is loaded, advance it to the first frame and take a test shot to ensure that the film is properly seated and the camera is functioning correctly.
Development
Develop in C41 or E6 chemistry, for use as slide film a warming filter is recommended.
