46 mm bulk film loader

mtjade2007 · Jul 13, 2016

Is there such a thing called 46 mm bulk film loader? Probably not. I need one. Any DIY idea or where to find one?

I have a bunch of various 46 mm bulk films in my freezer. I have modified some empty 120 film reels to accept 46 mm film. I am tempted to use such in my Pentax 67-ii or possibly in my Mamiya C-330 as well. I have saved up a lot of leading and trailing protective paper from consumed 220 films. I figure I will produce 70X46 panoramic and 60X46 negatives. I am trying to use the otherwise useless film to me. This may be a fun project.

darkroommike · Jul 13, 2016

46mm is the same width as 127 so 127 film processing reels will work as well (that intermediate setting on a Paterson reel). It can also be loaded into 127 papers to make rolls for Baby Rollei's etc. And if you have any "extra" film let me know.

BAC1967 · Jul 13, 2016

I have never seen a bulk loader for 127 or 120 film. This is how I do it.

I load mine in a changing bag but a dark room would probably be better. I put a piece of cardboard in the large changing bag to to keep the top of the bag from touching the film and getting dust on it. I then roll out the film on a 24" ruler so I can feel the length in the dark then cut it with scissors. Make sure you use the blunt end scissors for school children so you don't accidentally cut the changing bag (I learned that the hard way). My backing paper is marked with a piece of masking tape at the tail end just so I can feel where to start rolling the film on. Don't attach this end with the tape. Once you get to the end which would be the leading edge of the film use another piece of masking tape to attach the film. If you are using a Baby Rolleiflex (Grey) make sure that you don't tape all the way to the edge of the film. The Baby Rolleiflex uses a catch to detect the start of the film for the frame counter. If there is tape there the catch won't detect the start. I hope this helps.

Thorpelyon · Jul 13, 2016

BAC1967 said:
I have never seen a bulk loader for 127 or 120 film. This is how I do it.

I load mine in a changing bag but a dark room would probably be better. I put a piece of cardboard in the large changing bag to to keep the top of the bag from touching the film and getting dust on it. I then roll out the film on a 24" ruler so I can feel the length in the dark then cut it with scissors. Make sure you use the blunt end scissors for school children so you don't accidentally cut the changing bag (I learned that the hard way). My backing paper is marked with a piece of masking tape at the tail end just so I can feel where to start rolling the film on. Don't attach this end with the tape. Once you get to the end which would be the leading edge of the film use another piece of masking tape to attach the film. If you are using a Baby Rolleiflex (Grey) make sure that you don't tape all the way to the edge of the film. The Baby Rolleiflex uses a catch to detect the start of the film for the frame counter. If there is tape there the catch won't detect the start. I hope this helps.

This is great! I have a couple of cans of 46mm Portra 160, and I've been trying to figure out a way to roll some 127 inside my dark bag. Thanks!

mtjade2007 · Jul 1, 2023

I discovered today that Lloy's 35mm bulk film loader has enough depth for 46mm film. The loader's slit (for film to come out to load into a cassette) is slightly wider than 46mm as if it was designed to fit. Can't use the cassette chamber though which is for 35mm cassette only. So it looks like the Lloy's loader can be used as a film storage and dispenser for 100ft 46mm bulk film. This makes rolling the 46mm film onto a 127 reel a lot easier in a darkroom or in a changing bag.

But, there is a problem. The loader's center metal rod with a screw thread at the top is too fat to fit 100ft 46mm bulk film. I could not put the film into the loader. The film has a plastic core and it's denter diameter is simply too small. What a bummer! I think I will have to drill out the metal rod from the Lloy's loader then build a thinner one on to it. It can be done but it's a hassle.

mtjade2007 · Jul 1, 2023

Watson loader also can be modified to use as a 46mm 100ft bulk film dispenser. The film window (for the film to come out to load into a cassette) just need to be lengthened a few mm. I have done one. The center metal rod is not fat and will fit just fine. Some Kodak 46mm 200ft film came in a plastic dispenser already. I have a couple of it. When one is used up it can be reused as a dispenser for other 46mm bulk films that did not come in a dispenser.

Don_ih · Jul 1, 2023

I'd consider selling the 46mm film and buying fresh 120 rolls with the proceeds. So many people with 127 cameras would drool over good bulk 46mm film.

46 mm bulk film loader

mtjade2007

darkroommike

BAC1967

Thorpelyon

mtjade2007

mtjade2007

Don_ih

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