120 to 127 film conversion question

Hello everybody, I have a question which has probably been asked before, but I don't do well with forum searches.
I'd like to be able to use a couple of old 127 cameras (mostly a Nagel Vollenda that my father gave me in 1954 and a Rolleiflex baby). The cost and availability of 127 film both make for difficulties. I see on the web several descriptions of cutting 120 film down to 127 size and rewinding on 127 spools. All fairly straight forward, but I wonder, will the numbers on the paper backing of 120 film line up with and be usable in a 127 camera? A Vollenda with red windows? A Rolleiflex Baby which, once started will wind and count automatically (but won't start numbering itself like a traditional 6 X 6 auto Rollei will)? I hope my question is reasonably clear.

Cheers,
John

no, they won't. The number spacing and placement on the backing paper are different. You'll need to find an old roll of 127 -- or google -- and find out what the specs for 127 are and do them by hand.

The rollie might be different if all it needs to know is when to start. Cameras like the vollenda, some of which used the two-window system, will need proper number placement.

ct

Mark Hansen gives some good tips on this (on the link below). By the by, I've sent cameras to him for repair in the past, and the turnaround was reasonable, as were his prices. His communication is also excellent. Nowadays I don't shoot any camera that I can't repair myself or replace for small change, so I haven't had occasion to use his services again, but highly recommended.

To be honest, it sounds like too much work. I would just buy a 620 or 120 camera. Or, as you said, maybe a 127 TLR that doesn't need red window advancement might be the easier route.

http://www.zeissikonrolleirepair.com/page05.html

Thank you

Hello, Thank you both of you. I'd been on Hansen's web site some time ago seeking a formula for Microdol. But I'd forgotten that he also addresses the 120 to 127 problem. He convinces me that it is, as one of you said, not worth the effort. The Vollenda was for nostalgia's sake, the Rollei because I like using Rolleis. In connection with the suggestion that I buy a 120 or 620 camera, I'm well fixed in that area. I've used Rolleis for half a century now, and currently still own two 2.8s, a 3.5 Auto, a Tele, and a Rolleicord II. (I also have a Hasselblad, but find it awkward compared to the Rolleis and use it only when I need extension tubes.) The only problems with Rolleis is that they are definitely NOT pocket cameras!

Thanks again and Happy New Year,

John

I have a couple of old Yashica 44s, and a couple of Primo Jrs. in 127. The shutters work . . . . sort of and occasionally, so I simply ran a roll of film through each of them printed up the best shot, and put them with the camera on my collecting rack. I'd love to be able to use a couple of them on a regular basis, but as you know, the film is tougher and tougher to get and is not that cheap.

It's there, though, and occasionally you can get a dozen rolls or so for a fairly reasonable price and put them in the fridge. Then maybe use that camera a couple of times a year and engage in a very pleasant nostalgia.

Rolling your own is a waste of time . . . I know a guy who tried it. He was successful but said the result was simply not worth the effort.

My Mamiya C330 and C220 both still work as well as the day I got them, so I just stick with them for medium format.

FLASH NEWS FreeStyle now 127 film

FreeStyle now carries Rerapan 100 film in 127 format. See www.freestylephoto.biz or call 800 29 6137

FreeStyle is one of our sponsors. I have not connection with them other than that I buy their products.

Rolling your own 127 is doable. I don't agree that it's a waste of time if you're keen. 46mm wide HP5 (400 ASA bw) can be ordered in a bulk roll from Ilford during their annual "special formats" sale (check their website for info and no I do not work for them).The roll is approx 50ft long which is enough for about 20 x 127 films if you're careful with rolling your own. Backing papers you can make up from any opaque paper, there are templates online. Spools can be found on ebay or probably 3D printed (haven't tried this myself though).

hth