cutting film down with rotatrim

[Justin Cormack]

Is it a good idea to remove the plastic guard? Or use a paper sheet above the film? I guess it is best to cut the film emulsion side up, but my first attempt looks like it has some scratches that might have come from putting it under the plastic though I am not sure.

It was Efke film, which I hear is easy to scratch (but it is cheaper for testing!)

 

[Silverhead]

Efke's emulsion is extremely prone to scratches, which is why most use hardener when developing and fixing it. What you are doing sounds like a sure-fire way to damage this film.

 

[richard littlewood]

I've cut film on a Rotatrim before, and as the plastic strip on mine is so un-smooth after the kids have used it over the years I took it off. I use some electricians tape on the 'bed' as stops, and cut slower than cutting paper - also helps to wear a cotton glove on the left hand (if you are right handed) to lightly press down the film during cutting so it wont shift. It is on the whole a pretty accurate way to reduce film size.

 

[David H. Bebbington]

I have used a Rotatrim with success. I placed each sheet of film between two sheets of writing paper, and I fixed short wooden rulers at either end of the platen of the trimmer with double-sided sticky tape. These act as stops for two dimensions if working in the dark, even if cutting ortho by red light, it's much easier than trying to read scales and means a quick cut with no fumbling and risk of marking film.

Regards,

David

 

[Justin Cormack]

Got the hang of it. It just seems to be the Efke that scratches easily - Ilford is fine. Its pretty quick cut then load (only have to make one cut). Put the plastic bit back as it holds the film so I dont have to.