120 film backing paper

[removed account4]

hi

i have had a very sheltered life it seems.
over the years i have never shot 120 tri x (400 )
just tmx (100 ) and some of the european films.
i have a holga but for the most part use a graphic "23"
(winder not lever ). today i used some 120 tri x
and noticed something. it seems that not all backing papers
are created equal

the paper on the tri x is very thick, compared to the neopan i have been shooting lately
and is quite hard to wind in my film back.
it is just me ?

has anyone else experienced tired fingers when winding certain 120 films ?

thanks!
john

 

[arigram]

Yep!
There certainly a difference between papers.
I can specify it as I lately have been used to three particular Ilfords, but I have felt the difference.
It might be an indication of quality but I couldn't tell if the thicker backing is more protecting against hallation.

 

[MattKing]

I wonder if the Tri-X backing paper might be older, as in an older design.

Or even just from an older, very large, production run.

I can't remember if I've ever shot Tri-X in 120. If I did, it was decades ago.

Matt

 

[Herzeleid]

Agreed. Sure it feels different with different films.
I can feel the tension while winding Pentax 6x7. I recently used fuji, trix and orwo films.
In my case orwo is the worst, it is rugged. I personally find tri-x to be good, but really
fuji (superia) is running slightly smoother in comparison.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Not sure if I can tell a difference between Kodak's different backing papers, and I would frankly be surprised if they didn't use the same stuff for all of their roll film. Why sit on different types of inventory if you don't have to? If there is a difference it eluded me.
I do know, however, that Fuji makes very thin and supple backing paper. And that the stuff Foma puts on the Arista.EDU 120 rolls fells like sand paper by comparison. I always think that the thick stuff on the Arista rolls will damage the film back. On occasion the tape has not had any glue on it, and the little paper strip has come off inside the magazine too. That never happened with Kodak or Ilford.

- Thomas

 

[fiducio]

When I shoot with my Hassy, with either back I have, I need to take in consideration which film I'm shooting, and I've found that I need to start Ilford films right before it hits the arrow at the start section, with Kodak, a little after, and with Fuji, quite a bit after. Agfa hits it on the mark though! I've found that TMax + my Diana are not very close friends. The heavy paper backing broke my winding knob off. :[

 

[removed account4]

i am glad it isn't just me

The heavy paper backing broke my winding knob off. :[

THAT is what i am worried about ....
and i am thinking scavenging the paper of my darkroom floor
and repapering the remaining few rolls i have with neopan paper ..
to save my winding knob, and my fingers ...

 

[MattKing]

I wonder if the variance could also be attributed to the different spools?

Matt

 

[Whiteymorange]

i am glad it isn't just me

THAT is what i am worried about ....
and i am thinking scavenging the paper of my darkroom floor
and repapering the remaining few rolls i have with neopan paper ..
to save my winding knob, and my fingers ...

If that's the 120 you got at the beach, throw it in some toy camera and use the less troublesome stuff for your roll back. Even re-spooling it to 620 might be worthwhile.

Hey, the price was right...

 

[Rob Archer]

It's definately not you, John. Whilst I don't notice a difference in films when using my Bronica, I certainly do with the Franka, which has an old-fashioned winding knob. TriX is noticably stiffer than any of my usual ilford films.

I actually find it quite reassuring!

Rob

 

[removed account4]

thanks for all your support!

whitey,
it IS the beach film,
and i might just take your advice,
or use it in a graphic 22 holder that i NEVER use

john