Wanting to shoot 120 film in a 116 camera

[focusonnewfoundland]

<p>Hi all,<br /><br />As some of you know, I am the proud owner of an absolutely pristine 1917 Kodak Autographic 1A (not "junior") which takes 116 film. For starters, I would love to hear from anyone who may own, or is familiar with this model. What I am hoping to accomplish is to find a way that would allow me to shoot 120 film in this lovely old camera. I would think it should be capable of producing excellent photographs, as everything functions as new, the crystal-clear Anastigmat 130mm f7.7 lens doesn't have so much as have a scratch or speck of dust; the shutter is accurate, and the bellows are as perfect as the day it was made 95 years ago. <br /><br />Has anyone successfully modified a camera like this (or similar to it) to accept 120 film, and if so, would you be willing to share your wisdom so that I can actually use this beauty, rather than simply admire it on display in my cabinet? I have done lots of online searching, and managed to find some mention of adapting 116 to 120, but I just wonder if it is worth the effort it might take. For instance, would 120 not be narrower than the 116, meaning that to avoid any "flapping" of the film, would I not have to find a way to rig a set of rails closer together to keep the film flat? Or perhaps I am way off base here? <br /><br />I came across a photo somewhere, of a fellow who had simply inserted plastic wall anchors into the ends of a 120 spool to make it fit properly into the 116 bay. Sounds awfully easy; just wonder what else I may be up against? Of course, I would love to hear from all of you who may have some pointers for me, and would be very appreciative of any/all info you might be able to provide. Here is a photo of my Autographic 1A.<br /> <br /> Thanks!<br /> Glen<br>

www.FocusOnNewfoundland.com</p>

<p><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/camperbc/DSC01394a700pix.jpg" alt="" width="460" height="700" /><br /><br /></p>

[adam_puzach]

<p>I actually respooled 120 onto 116 rolls. It worked just fine. It was fun to shoot with and to me was worth the effort at the time. The trick is finding empty 116 rolls</p>

[jim_momary]

<p>Here's another approach -<br>

<a href="00PYhx">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00PYhx</a><br>

And, WOW, what a sweet camera!</p>

<p>Jim</p>

[focusonnewfoundland]

<p>Adam, finding 116 spools is not a problem for me as my camera has them; in fact it actually has 116 film in it! So, (and please forgive my total lack of knowledge on this subject) is it possible to simply use the existing backing paper from this old 116 film, and re-spool some 120 onto the 116 spool? If this is possible, then the frame numbers should still align perfectly with the window, and everything would (should?) work just fine, correct?<br>

Is there a knack to re-spooling film? I will have to Google this to see what I can learn; maybe can find a detailed tutorial/Youtube video or something. As I stated earlier, the camera is immaculate, and it's indeed a shame that it isn't still being used. And I'm now thinking that as I already have the 116 spools, and even 116 backing paper, then re-spooling is the best way to go, rather than attempting to modify 120 spools.<br>

So, calling all experienced re-spoolers... do I need a degree in "Re-spooling 101" to tackle this, or am a worrying needlessly?<br>

Thanks,<br>

Glen</p>

[winfried_buechsenschuetz1]

<p>I respooled some 120 films on 616 spools without major problems. Of course you need a dark room (a changing bag may work, too). First, spool the 120 film on a 120 spool so that you start final re-spooling with the end of the film. Then re-spool on the 116 spool. As you approach the beginning of the film you will notice that there is a bulge between the film and its backing paper, you have to compensate this by lifting the tape holding film and backing paper together and re-glue it in proper position. That's all. </p>

[john_robison3]

<p>Glen, check out Mike Connealy's site at www.mconnealy.com, he shows how he uses 120 film in his Autographic.</p>