Q: Who is using 220 backs?

<p>I am surprised to see many 220 backs for ETR* being bought and sold on ebay. Who is using these? 220 film is not available to me and I can't even find a reel to develop it myself. Is there any reason why I should keep the 220 back for my ETRS?</p>

<p>You can still get 220 in C41 emulsions, and you can get it developed commercially. You may need to use mail order for both, depending where you live.</p>

<p>I would absolutely use it if I were shooting a wedding or portrait session. 220 does fit on a Paterson super system reel (same length as 35mm), but is a b*tch to get on.</p>

<p>I use it with the new Kodak Exacta film on my 6008AF bodies. But I sure wish I could buy b&w films in 220 like Tmax or Tri-x</p>

<p>Ditto all of the above, and ... yes I use mine on Hasselblad. Also saved are a box of backing papers for 120, and end papers for 220. Occasionally a bulk roll of uncut film turns up. I just missed out on a roll of uncut EFKE R21 a while back (ADOX 100). Also in service are the 70mm mags for Hasselblad and have a couple of Cine Rollex for Linhof, but not the right model Linhof to use them on, ... yet. A nice combination would an A32 mag on Hasselblad Superwide ( or 220 film in a 6x4.5 rangefinder with wide angle? > lovely MF quality with almost as many frames as your old 35mm SLR - just load and go for it ;-)</p>

<p>I think a lot of MF cameras with 220 backs are sold on eBay to people who aren't totally sure of the significance until later. Then we get questions along the lines of "can I use 120 film in 220 backs?"</p>

<p>I use it on my Hasselblad, it is very usefull above all during trips abroad because you carry less rolls saving space and weight.<br />Unfortunatly I'm trying to buy 220 rolls of Velvia, Provia and Ektar but it seems impossible now, at least in Italy,even big shop doesn't sell it anymore. I know that 220 film have always been quite rare but now it become more and more difficult. I suppose this is the reason why people try to sell his 220 back.<br />Anyway, do you know a source for 220 film (Velvia, Provia, Ektar) where I can buy online?</p>

<p>Always sad to hear people say they can't find any 220 film. All sites listing films as, 'In Stock.'<br /> Here are 11 different emulsions, (negative and slide), from 4 different photo retailers in the USA.<br /> All in 5 roll, 'Pro Packs.' Order plenty...stock the freezer...inquire with each supplier regarding<br /> shipping costs, short dated film, and each retailers cold storage procedures.<br /> Sorry, no black & white in 220, and my quick search didn't find any Ektar in 220 either.</p>

<p>Adorama:<br /> New Portra 160 - 5 pack 220, $59.95 - w/free shipping<br /> http://www.adorama.com/KKP160220P.html<br /> New Portra 400 - 5 pack 220, $63.50 - w/free shipping<br /> http://www.adorama.com/KKP400220P.html</p>

<p>B&H Photo:<br /> New Portra 160 - 5 pack 220, $54.95<br /> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759448-USA/Kodak_8273773_220_Professional_Portra_NC.html<br /> New Portra 400 - 5 pack 220, $58.50<br /> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/742304-USA/Kodak_8374290_220_Professional_Portra_400.html</p>

<p>East Coast Photo:<br /> Fuji 160'C' - 5 pack 220, $35.50<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=6330&catid=130&hid=125<br /> Fuji 160'S' - 5 pack 220, $37.45<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=6335&catid=130&hid=125<br /> Fuji 400'H' - 5 pack 220, $54.95<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=6339&catid=130&hid=125<br /> Fuji 800'Z' - 5 pack 220, $46.25<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=6343&catid=130&hid=125<br /> Kodak Portra 160'VC' - 5 pack 220, $44.70<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=7967&catid=130&hid=125<br /> Kodak Portra 400'NC' - 5 pack 220, $54.95<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=7971&catid=130&hid=125<br /> Fuji Velvia 100'F' - 5 pack 220, $39.25<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=5033&catid=131&hid=126<br /> Fuji Astia 100'F' - 5 pack 220, $43.95<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=5043&catid=131&hid=126<br /> Fuji Provia 100'F' - 5 pack 220, $37.95<br /> http://www.eastcoastphoto.com/nav/itempage.asp?itemid=5050&catid=131&hid=126</p>

<p>Freestyle Photo:<br /> Color Slide Film, 120 & 220<br /> http://www.freestylephoto.biz/c1302-Color-Slide-Film-120-and-220-size<br /> Color Print (neg) Film, 120 & 220<br /> http://www.freestylephoto.biz/c1103-Color-Negative-Film-120-and-220-size</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Good answer Marc!! And, thanks for all the film links. I'm fortunate enough to have lots of film available to me at my local photography shop. But, I still use Freestyle occasionally.</p>

<p>Scott and Kevin, or anyone: I use MF rangefinders that have no interchangeable backs but have a 120/220 counter switch and an alterable position film back plate (for 220 paperless film accomodation), but my main problem, even encountered with 36 exp rolls of 35mm film, is to get the film completely onto the Patterson reel. Is there something I should be doing to improve this? Better drying of the reel, slight heating, pre-wetting, other? </p>

<p>I would be if there were any films available that I liked.</p>

<p>Arthur,<br>

I wish I could suggest a way to make loading 220 onto a Paterson reel easier. I've just always had problems with both 220 and 135. Too much friction builds up. When I use 135, I now use a Nikkor reel, which is much easier because you wind it on instead of pushing it on. <br>

Scott</p>

<p>Wash the Paterson reels in almost boiling hot water, and use a tooth brush to remove the buildup. They were designed to withstand boiling hot water. Make sure you shake all the water off, or rinse in distilled water before drying.<br>

I've got a couple that are getting discoloured from old age, but they load just fine, 135-36 or even when taping two rolls of 120 end to end.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I wish I could still find B&W film in 220. </p>

<p>Yep, I have found they must be <strong>absolutely dry</strong>. They are even easier to load in the depth of a Nordic winter when the humidity is very low, than in summer, the rainy season in Scandinavia, when the emulsion has absorbed a lot of atmospheric moisture. (The new location in Thailand presents even more of a challenge, where I need to isolate and dehumidify one room for drying prints - <em>etchings</em> - so this will also become the room for loading films.)<br>

Post process, when tempted to take a sneak peep of the results prior to complete washing, even a 120 is nigh impossible to feed back into the plastic spirals ... but it <em>can</em> be done with everything submerged in a bucket of water. Although even this was hard with 220, so I have then cut the strip into two 120 lengths, and reloaded onto two reels. A bit tedious, and such is the price of impatience;-)</p>

<p>Bob and Kevin. Thanks. I will try your suggestions.</p>

<p>Here is another source of 220 film:<br>

<a href="http://www.justfilmsf.com/menu.asp?id=5N2H8NFCUH">http://www.justfilmsf.com/menu.asp?id=5N2H8NFCUH</a><br>

I have used them and get very fast service.<br>

Bob C.</p>

<p>If you use Fuji film try looking at Japan exposures. They have almost every type of Fuji 120/220 E6 and C41 as well as B/W I believe. I ordered about $450 Cdn worth and it came to NW Alberta in 1 week.</p>