radu_diaconu Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Hi, I just realized that I'm getting scratches from my bulk loadednegatives - Tri-X and Ektachrome 320T. I'm wondering if the plastic canisters are the problem (with removabletop) or the light trap from the bulk loader. Did anyone try putting apiece of tape (black masking tape) in the light trap, where the filmcommes out? I'm using a Telessar loader. Thanks for all the responses. Radu D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank.schifano Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 I've been using bulk loaders for a long time and rarely encounter scratches on my film. Every time, the scratches are attributable to fine particles of grit or dirt stuck to the felt lips on either the loader or the cassette. These can be effectively cleaned with a piece of low tack masking tape nuch the same way you would remove lint from a garment. Be sure to get the low tack variety of masking tape though. Check with the man in the hardware store if you're unsure. The high tack variety will be more likely to damage the felt and ruin the light trap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Watson Loader. No felt light trap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_shriver Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 Throw out any bulk loader with a felt trap. Only Alden or Watson. Use the cartridges once. Or get a camera that uses felt-less reloadable cartridges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdkirk Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 The Watson (sometimes named "Western") loader is the best--and paradoxically the cheapest. The best cartridges are the Ilford/Agfa type. Both ends are removable, so you can spread the lips completely apart and brush them thoroughly. But the ends are held by heavy rolled crimps, so they fit tightly and will never accidently pop off. The only place I've seen them available is www.freestylephoto.biz I first began buying Ilford film in bulk from Freestyle back in the early 70s, when most everyone else was bowing to the Great Yellow Father. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay ott Posted February 14, 2006 Share Posted February 14, 2006 You could determine whether or not the scratches are coming from the bulk loader by eliminating the bulk loader and load the cassettes by hand. Besides, the film cassette, scratches could also come from your camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted February 15, 2006 Share Posted February 15, 2006 Calumet sells a Kalt brand where both ends remove. I ordered a box of their house brand and got Kalts. I think they come 100 to a box for $60 or so. Smaller quantities available. B&H also sells them, but I have trouble finding them on their website as I don`t know what to call them so it matches their computer description. Look under loading supplies. Don`t buy the dirty ones that been around the stores in open boxes. Store in a bag between uses so they stay clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
profhlynnjones Posted February 17, 2006 Share Posted February 17, 2006 The best loaders are made by Queen City Plastics (Springfield, MO) under the names of Watson, Western, Alden, etc. Some of the cheapies, and I cant remembers their names, scratch easily. What ever system you use, clean the light trap often. If you are careful you can lightly touch the light trap with tape to pick up any grit. Lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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