Frame numbers gone?

[pgomena]

I recently loaded one of my pinhole cameras with a roll of 120 Kodak Ektar 100. As I advanced the film, I saw the first black arrow in the red window, but saw no other printing or numbers show up, so I had no idea where I stood as far as frame placement. This is with a 6x18cm 3D-printed camera that has worked fine with every other film I've put in it. Is anyone aware of Kodak changing its frame number printing?

 

[DWThomas]

Yes, there have been several threads about this, it seems to only affect certain formats, but apparently Kodak made some rash assumptions about the multiple rows of numbers on 120 film. This was in an effort to eliminate "wrapper offset" where the frame numbers were appearing in the emulsion.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Apparently in addition to reducing the density of the printing ink, they decided to reduce the probability further by not printing as many rows of numbers and lead-in markings.

 

[AgX]

Of course reducing the lines of frame numbers will not make the issue of "frame number offset" vanish.

As far as the issue has been described so far it will not reduce the probability of occurance either, but only the extend of effect.

 

[pgomena]

Excellent, thanks, and thank you, Kodak, for an annoying "improvement." Looks like I will be using Fuji color negative film in that particular camera from now on.

 

[KC2PED]

Excellent, thanks, and thank you, Kodak, for an annoying "improvement." Looks like I will be using Fuji color negative film in that particular camera from now on.

I had a similar problem with Ilford film in my Ondu
The numbers on the backing are light gray against white and there is not enough contrast for me to see them through the red window

 

[Roseha]

Updating this thread:
I will be traveling in May and June and I would like to try some Ektar 100 in my 6x6 Reality So Subtle pinhole. Has anyone tried this film with 6x6 pinhole or other "red window" cameras?
Also, what kind of tape is there at the end of this film? Is it "moisten and stick" like other Kodak and Ilford films? I have found that the Fuji "auto-stick" can cause problems in smaller cameras.
Thanks

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Updating this thread:
I will be traveling in May and June and I would like to try some Ektar 100 in my 6x6 Reality So Subtle pinhole. Has anyone tried this film with 6x6 pinhole or other "red window" cameras?
Also, what kind of tape is there at the end of this film? Is it "moisten and stick" like other Kodak and Ilford films? I have found that the Fuji "auto-stick" can cause problems in smaller cameras.
Thanks

As a comparative camera, all ZeroImage MF pinhole cameras have red windows. In the 6x6 format, the middle of three windows on those cameras is used to track frame numbers, and this would be the same for the RSS pinhole camera. The red windows themselves do not have any adverse effect on the film of any sort, which is protected by the opaque backing paper on which the frame numbers are printed. The problem you might have though is one of visibility: the light frame numbers may be hard to discern through the red window, so wind-on should be slow and careful. I know I have had this specific problem both with Kodak and Ilford films, but never Fuji.

Yes, Kodak films unfortunately do not have self-sticking tape ends like Fuji does (I have never found this to be a problem in any of MF cameras, so I don't know what you are referring to), so carry a small roll or a few cuts of, masking tape to secure the end, or be prepared for a finger lickin' good time come roll end!

 

[Roseha]

As a comparative camera, all ZeroImage MF pinhole cameras have red windows. In the 6x6 format, the middle of three windows on those cameras is used to track frame numbers, and this would be the same for the RSS pinhole camera. The red windows themselves do not have any adverse effect on the film of any sort, which is protected by the opaque backing paper on which the frame numbers are printed. The problem you might have though is one of visibility: the light frame numbers may be hard to discern through the red window, so wind-on should be slow and careful. I know I have had this specific problem both with Kodak and Ilford films, but never Fuji.

Yes, Kodak films unfortunately do not have self-seeking tape ends like Fuji does (I have never found this to be a problem in any of MF cameras, so I don't know what you are referring to), so carry a small roll or a few cuts of, masking tape to secure the end, or be prepared for a finger lickin' good time come roll end!

Thanks very much, I have noticed visibility issues with Ilford in the window, but as long as the numbers are there I have found they can be seen in decent light. If it's the same with Ektar that would be fine.

Maybe my issue with the Fuji auto stick tape was a fluke, but the tape once came undone in a small pinhole and the sticky substance got caught inside the camera. Normally I wouldn't have an issue with it otherwise.

 

[MattKing]

I carry a small LED flashlight in several of my camera bags. Those lights really help when the comparatively dim numbers are hard to see.

 

[Roseha]

I carry a small LED flashlight in several of my camera bags. Those lights really help when the comparatively dim numbers are hard to see.

Thanks for the suggestion!