HELP!!! :) Forgot to change plate from 120 to 220...Film is loaded. What to do???

haring

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2011
Messages
287
Format
35mm
Don't laugh, please! I have just loaded a fresh roll of 220 film into my Contax 645. I just realized that I have forgotten to change the plate from 120 size film to 220 size film? The camera has already loaded the film and ready to shoot. What can I do?

Thanks!
 

brucemuir

Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2007
Messages
2,228
Location
Metro DC are
Format
Multi Format
no biggie, don't panic

find a darkroom. (bathroom may work if you can seal the door cracks)
unload the film and wrap the leader tightly and tape the spool.
shield the roll if possible just in case it is not completely tight.
now flick on the lights and turn the plate and reload.
 

LyleB

Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2010
Messages
376
Location
Lower Michig
Format
35mm
If you have a changing bag/darkroom I would just open the camera, unwind the take-up spool enough to change the plate setting, then rewind the film until taught. Once I had the camera closed again, I would advance the film a couple or three frames before shooting anything of any real value. Could probably do this in any dark environment and not loose too many shots.
 

Konical

Subscriber
Joined
Jun 1, 2003
Messages
1,824
Good Evening, Haring,

I'm not familiar with the Contax 645. Perhaps it's possible to unload the camera in complete darkness and correct the situation. It certainly would be with many MF cameras.

Just shooting the film with the wrong pressure plate in place probably wouldn't result in problems with images. If the pressure place controls the exposures available, however, you might find shooting after frame 15 a problem.

Konical
 

Bob-D659

Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2008
Messages
1,273
Location
Winnipeg, Ca
Format
Multi Format
If your camera has powered film advance, wind the film back out by hand. If you open the back and close it again, it will assume you just loaded a roll and advance it to position 1.
.
 

Poisson Du Jour

Member
Joined
Jul 1, 2008
Messages
5,462
Location
.
Format
Digital
The thickness of 220 and 120 film varies (unlike 120, 220 film has no backing paper), so there can be imprecise focusing from this difference.
 

F/1.4

Member
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
233
Format
Multi Format
May have to axe the roll..

I know with my Mamiya 645AF, I can't just "rewind" the film, even if I take out the magazine, the spools will only turn one way..than you've got the paper to deal with.
 

Bob-D659

Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2008
Messages
1,273
Location
Winnipeg, Ca
Format
Multi Format
Never, take both spools out in the dark and spool it back by hand, BTDT, Pentax 645, Linhof, Mamiya 330, Rolli and Yashica, works on every one.

On the Pentax 645, taking it out in daylight, 120 film, not bright sun and you only lose the first three frames.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…