GP3 120 and older cameras

[John Wiegerink]

I just ran a roll of GP3 120 through an old Ica Icarette folder from the mid-20's. All did not go well. I loaded the film spool in the camera and started it on the take-up spool. After closing the back I had a heck of a time winding to exp. 1. It took two men and a boy just to cycle the roll through the camera. I was actually afraid of breaking off the wind key, but the excellent quality of materials and German engineering saved it. When I was done I developed the film and then compared the GP3 spools to my other Fuji and HP5+ spools and noticed that the GP3 spools are slightly different and a little larger. I don't have my calipers here at the moment so I can't check them for sure, but I do see where the spools were rubbing in the Icarette. Also, I have no problems running HP5+ through the Icarette so I'm assuming it's the GP3 spools causing the problem. Does anyone else have issues with GP3 120 in older cameras?

 

[Agulliver]

I've run GP3 120 through a 1937 Zeiss-Ikon folder, no troubles. 127 through a 100+ year old Vest Pocket Kodak and 1950s Ferrania Tanit. 620 through a 50s Brownie 620.

No troubles at all in terms of film transport.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I ran of roll of GP3 220 (same spool) through a Graflex RH20 not long ago and it ran fine, albeit with a little crunching (the back needs some attention). Can you post the batch number or at least expiration date of your film? There may have been an out-of-spec batch of spools that could affect others with relatively tight cameras.

 

[relistan]

I just ran a roll of GP3 120 through an old Ica Icarette folder from the mid-20's. All did not go well. I loaded the film spool in the camera and started it on the take-up spool. After closing the back I had a heck of a time winding to exp. 1. It took two men and a boy just to cycle the roll through the camera. I was actually afraid of breaking off the wind key, but the excellent quality of materials and German engineering saved it. When I was done I developed the film and then compared the GP3 spools to my other Fuji and HP5+ spools and noticed that the GP3 spools are slightly different and a little larger. I don't have my calipers here at the moment so I can't check them for sure, but I do see where the spools were rubbing in the Icarette. Also, I have no problems running HP5+ through the Icarette so I'm assuming it's the GP3 spools causing the problem. Does anyone else have issues with GP3 120 in older cameras?

John I looked up that camera and saw that some versions used 117 roll film which I also just read is very nearly 120 but not quite. Wonder if yours was originally for 117? I have no idea, just a thought.

 

[John Wiegerink]

John I looked up that camera and saw that some versions used 117 roll film which I also just read is very nearly 120 but not quite. Wonder if yours was originally for 117? I have no idea, just a thought.

Yes, I just researched the Ica also and see that they came in a 117 version too. Still, it doesn't explain the fact that I can run HP5+ 120 in the camera with no problems. The Ilford spool winds a little stiff, but nothing like the GP3 spools do. I guess I'll just stick with Ilford films if I want to use the Ica.

 

[relistan]

Yes, I just researched the Ica also and see that they came in a 117 version too. Still, it doesn't explain the fact that I can run HP5+ 120 in the camera with no problems. The Ilford spool winds a little stiff, but nothing like the GP3 spools do. I guess I'll just stick with Ilford films if I want to use the Ica.

Yeah, maybe that really small difference you measured is just enough?

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

I would say that Ilford spools are thinner that they should be. As far as I know, 117 spools are thinner and 120 spools shouldnt work with 117 cameras. I suppose the spool being a bit thicker makes the spool too tight on the camera.

By the way, used GP3 on all kind on cameras (from Kievs to Ikontas) and never had any tighness or another issue on advancing. Film had some quality issues but thats another matter.

 

[John Wiegerink]

I would say that Ilford spools are thinner that they should be. As far as I know, 117 spools are thinner and 120 spools shouldnt work with 117 cameras. I suppose the spool being a bit thicker makes the spool too tight on the camera.

By the way, used GP3 on all kind on cameras (from Kievs to Ikontas) and never had any tighness or another issue on advancing. Film had some quality issues but thats another matter.

Yes, when I used GP3 a few years back I never had a problem with older cameras, but I don't think I tried it in this Ica Icarette II before. There is nothing on the inside the film back or camera itself that states what film it takes. Oh well, at least I know enough now not to use GP3 in the Ica again.