70 mm film talk

I've found sources for 616 film (respooled 70 mm film) but can't

find a source for tanks/reels for developing 70 mm film at home.

Since it's about 1/4 in wider than 120 I doubt I can use my own

tank. Quick search on Adorama and BH didn't reveal any 70 mm reels.

Any suggestions?

How long is the film. Funny thing is I spent the other day looking into this. The Jobo 2517 [i think that's the right number] will handle 70mm upto about 5 1/2feet of film. If you're looking at longer then that then I think you're only new choice are Hewes reels.

 

The Jobo reel will fit anything but the smallest 2500 series tank. The Hewes you'll need to come up with a tank system. Somebody mentioned just doing it in the dark with non-photographic [iOTW reasonable cost] tanks or getting the Hewes tanks.

 

The Jobo reels are on both the B&H and Adorama sites. They are likely special orders from both but the price isn't outrageous [less then $30] and if you've already got the tanks it's a simple addition to your current setup.

 

Does anybody know if anybody makes a 70mm bulk loader anymore? Alden supposedly used to but I can't find a link to anybody selling them.

Mind sharing your source for the 616?

There is lots of this equip coming up on ebay due to the lack of film choices. Nikor and Kinderman made tons of tanks, reels, etc. For the normal cassette, you need a reel for 15'. The 5' length was for film testing, and Nikor made a reel for it too. Really, if you have a darkroom, you don't need more than one tank, or something just to keep a loaded reel light tight. I developed B&W for years using just 4 1-gal buckets. I had a wire lifting rod for my reel and I dunked and twirled the reel using that through the solutions. As long as you are consistent, and give adequate agitation, you shouldn't have any problems. So, first look for reels.

Was 616 film actually 15feet? Or do you mean 70mm film? If the 616 was 4" per frame 15 feet would have been 45 exposures. I'm betting 616 will fit a 5' reel. Or did they actually come that long?

Robert, I'm not sure if you're asking me, or Ann. I got into the discussion about 70mm reels based on a response to Ann's message. I wasn't positive at first if she was going to use it in long rolls or not, thus my response. Upon rereading, I suspect she only intends to use it in short rolls in whatever camera used 616 film. In that case, the 5' reels make by Nikor would be perfect if she can find one. They fit a later Nikor 120 tank [the earlier ones were not high enough to hold them]. Thus there is a Nikor alternative for her to use. Hope that makes better sense.

Here's trick I've used since 1979 to develope short lengths of 70mm. It should work fine for 616.

 

Take a 35mm reel (36 exp type) and cut it in half with a hacksaw. Go to the nearest hardware store and buy a wood dowel that will fit snugly in the center of the cut 35mm reel. Buy a large tube of epoxy glue.

 

Cut the dowel so that it spaces the 35mm reel to 70mm. Coat the dowel in expoxy glue. I used a scrap piece of 70mm film to adjust the spacing.

 

The reel will fit nicely in a ss 16oz tank. Have fun!

Thanks for all the great info. I have some work to do! My sources for film are Film for Classics (http://www.camera-exchange,com/ffc2/htm)

and Central Camera (http://www.central-camera.com). I've ordered 828 from them and 620 but not 616. The ad for FFC says that they use Professional Ortho and Verichrome Pan. It doesn't say that it's 70 mm, so it's possible they're respooling 120 film on 616 reels I suppose.

Ann,

 

I think you're on the right track with the reloading and use of spacers for the 616 film. I can not imagine paying central camera $16.95 for 828 film, or the $30.95 for 116 - 616 film. Also, if you buy the 70mm film in bulk, it doesn't come with the paper backer, so you'd have to find that somewhere. The 120 film is only about 1/4 inch or so smaller than the 616. I use a spacer I made in my old brownie. Heres a link - http://www.geocities.com/brandonshahan/

 

Also, the numbers are showing through because of the red window. You might try covering it on the inside with electrical tape and learning the turns between film advance, or covering it on the outside only to peek at the numbers between advance.

 

Brandon<div></div>

I just bought a Kodak Six-16 at a garage sale, it's mint, and cost only $20. It looks nice, but the best part is that it looks like it works--I really want to get some film through this camera. So now, the hunt has begun for film and a developing tank.

 

I don't use eBay much, but there was a vintage tank that was just up for sale, a Kodak that held 3 sizes and had 3 plastic rolls for film holders. I got outbid at the very end, I learned afterwards they call that sniping--it certainly stung a bit. So I am grateful for finding all this information. My favorite idea is adapting a plastic 35mm reel and tank! Awesome. Getting sniped has probably saved me some money.

 

Can anyone offer answers to the following?

 

I want to construct my own rolls of 616. I have one spool and I think I can get ahold of another. Can I simply make my own paper backing and put them together in a darkroom? Does it matter what kind of paper--any recommendations?

 

Does anyone have a source for bulk 70mm film (other than eBay)?

 

Thanks!

 

P.S. Ann, I like the pic from your Brownie, thanks for sharing!

B&H etc stock bulk 70mm film. Problem is it all seems to be very similar in type. So if you're favorite is missing you'll have to try something new.

All the classic Bakelite adjustable developing tanks will go up to 116/616 size. I got a FR tank really cheap on eBay.

 

Unfortunately the roll of 1944 Verichrome (not Pan) 116 that I developed in it was hopelessly fogged (cosmic radiation? fallout from above-ground atom bomb testing? hot attic?). But I have some 1976 rolls of Verichrome Pan 616 that were claimed to be cold-stored. We shall see soon...

There is a 616/116 tank on Ebay now. It'll likely go no bid at the current $1 so if anybody wants one today is the day.

Thanks for the help! I've been out looking and have found a few things worth sharing.

 

A guy named Ed is selling bulk B&W Aerographic film on Ebay under the name of "mrfoto1". 125' rolls of 9.5" wide Kodak Plus-X. I'm going to give it a try. By trimming it, I can get 500' of 616 film. But I think I will also play with exposing larger sheets and perhaps making contact prints. I have some ideas for a quick and dirty trimming method.

 

I called Kodak and got some helpful advice (their service department is top notch, they didn't even hesitate to discuss my old camera and the 616 format). They assured me that Aero film can be used for land photography, gave me the ISO equivalent to use, and developing tips. The Aero film cuts haze, which further enhances medium/large format images. If anyone's interested, I'll post after I've tried some.

Just to follow up on my previous response. My "on ice" VP616 film is great. (None to spare, sorry! Should have bought more when I could. It has to last until J&C comes out with their 116 film.) What a neat format -- very panoramic. The f/7.7 Rapid Rectilinear lens (triplet) on my Folding Kodak is quite respectable as well.

 

I also found a 116 stainless steel reel right here on the photo.net classifieds. Fits in a 120 tank. So someone else may be lucky as well! Until then, there's always the bakelite tanks...

Now, you can order 100 foot rolls of Efke R100 film in 70mm width from J&C photo. Absolutely the neat solution for 116 and 616 film. Buy a roll now, it may not sell well enough for them to make another batch.