Developing b/w 616 film

pinhole_dreamer · Jan 24, 2012

I have the 120 reels. Is there a way to adapt that to the larger 616 format? I have one unused roll of 616 film that I'd love to shoot. (It was given to me as a gift - stored IN THE CAMERA - and old Kodak folding camera). I know that since it was stored in the top of a closet, the film probably won't be all that great but I'm willing to give it a chance. Any ideas?

Thanks.

I do have a large tank that I can use - daylight .... and will be using either D76 or TMax Dev. ;D

Mike Pieper · Jan 24, 2012

I bought two older tanks/reels on ebay when I wanted to develop 616. One of them is an FR tank that had a reel you could adjust for 616. I got them pretty cheap, so it wasn't too much of a problem.

John Shriver · Jan 24, 2012

There are 116 Nikor reels -- they're just not at all common. (As well as Minox, 16mm, 127, 122, and 118.) Not worth hunting down for one roll.

But the Bakelite adjustable tanks are very common, and most adjust to 116/616.

keithwms · Jan 24, 2012

Why not make some plastic sheet and cut out some leaders that match the 616 size, and then clip 120 to it.

You should also consider joining my bulk 70mm purchase pool

I have adapted 120 steel developing reels to arbitrary sizes by cutting the reels in half and putting them back together with hollow aluminum pipe. You just crimp it to whatever length you need.

Since this one roll may not be in good shape anyway, I'd be inclined just to fill a big deep beaker or tray with developer and develop it that way.

Photo Engineer · Jan 24, 2012

Why not use to old original tray method with a clip on each end of the film. Just back and forth. Works just fine.

PE

pinhole_dreamer · Jan 24, 2012

Hmmmmm.....I like the idea of using the pipe...since my reels come apart anyway, that might be a good idea. I have a rather large tank I can use. It's an old one which can hold TWO reels of 616 film.

The dip and dunk method I could do...except for the fact that I don't have an entirely dark darkroom. My sons tend to turn the lights on in an adjoining room. The ceiling in the basement doesn't actually meet the walls so there's enough of a light leak that the tray method wouldn't necessarily work.

Developing b/w 616 film

pinhole_dreamer

Mike Pieper

John Shriver

keithwms

Photo Engineer

pinhole_dreamer

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