620 Film

A friend of mine approached me with a couple of Kodak Brownie cameras, and it takes 620 films. I figured out that it's the same film width as 120, but the spools are smaller. How much smaller, i.e. how much shorter do I need to cut the film strip if I re-spool 120 film?

I did a search here for 620 and came up with nothing...

Thanks for your help!

- Thomas

620 is 120 on different spools.

Just re-spool the film.

d

IIRC, Efke sells/sold some films in 620 size; and I also believe there are some companies out there who sell re-spooled film. Try a google search? Freestyle?

You can buy 120 film that has had the edges of the spools machined (or simply cut) off, but the spindle hole in the end is a different size on 120 and the 620 cameras sometimes will not advance the 120 film if one of those spools is used as a take-up, some. I suggest re-spooling as well - it's pretty straightforward.

I just gave away at least a dozen 620 cameras from the 40's through the 60's, including a whole bunch of Brownie Hawkeyes. They will take the 120 rolls as long as you have a 620 take-up spool. Some cameras (most, I've found) will not fit a full size 120 spool to turn in the space provided. Try fitting a roll of 120 into the camera without actually loading it. If it fits and turns without binding, all you need is a 620 take-up reel. Just remember to ask for the spool back if you have the film processed by someone else!

df cardwell said:

620 is 120 on different spools.

Just re-spool the film.

d

Click to expand...

10 minutes with a changing bag, and a spare 620 spool and Robert is your mothers brother

Hi Thomas,

There are always 620 spools selling on ebay. Look up that one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Six-20-620-Me...hash=item260262609099&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

Also, often I have seen them listed on sale online with vintage camera resellers.

Best

Delphine

Thanks everybody! I know what to do now.
Since it's a Hawkeye Brownie, I'll do what Whitey suggested. Easy enough since I process the film myself.
I appreciate you taking time to help out!
- Thomas

I just run 35mm film in my brownie - I don't have respool anyuthing and the back holds the canister in place no problem. Thus I get my sprockholes exposed to. For kicks, invert the lens and you have an instant lomo camera without paying the bullshit prices.

Pentax_Junkie said:

I just run 35mm film in my brownie - I don't have respool anyuthing and the back holds the canister in place no problem. Thus I get my sprockholes exposed to. For kicks, invert the lens and you have an instant lomo camera without paying the bullshit prices.

Click to expand...

This is exactly why I love APUG

10 minutes with 80 grit sand paper works too. I just sand the edges of the spool down to the same diamiter as the rolled film and then sand the ends of the thinner. It fits just fine in my 6x9 folder. Something like this http://www.zianet.com/connealy/vintagecameras/120in620/

D.

This is the method I used: Dead Link Removed

It's not that good if you plan on shooting more than 1 or 2 rolls, however.

Fotoimpex (in Berlin) does the job for you!

Thomas Bertilsson said:

Thanks everybody! I know what to do now.
Since it's a Hawkeye Brownie, I'll do what Whitey suggested. Easy enough since I process the film myself.
I appreciate you taking time to help out!
- Thomas

Click to expand...

Just a note on that camera: In watching the newest Indiana Jones movie, I was delighted to see that, in the wedding scene, the son grabs a Hawkeye to take a snapshot of the long delayed union. I had just given 6 or so of those exact cameras to JamesG for a summer class in photography he was to teach! They were among the few that I saved from the dump but I've never actually used one. I'd be interested in seeing what you get, Thomas.