ILFORD Photo Request APUG Feedback On 120 Film

Chazzy · Dec 13, 2005

A generic backing paper is fine with me, as long as the film type is on the sealing tape at the end of the roll. But please, please, make the numbers legible. I can barely make them out using my older German camera. The problem isn't just with cheap Chinese 6x12 backs.

Thomassauerwein · Dec 13, 2005

I only use the one speed ilford Delta 100 in 120, so a generic would be fine. I hate the light markings and would love them darker. Do not mind licking the sticky. Kind of adds a little finish or personal touch to the roll. Could you put some ant-acid in the sticky for those frustrating shoots?

dschneller · Dec 13, 2005

Universal ('generic' sounds too bland) paper backing with Ilford branding on it and the sealing strip with the film and processing information to ensure proper processing.

pandino · Dec 13, 2005

Simon,
I would have no problem with generic paper, although I agree that branding is still an important consideration.

The paper could still be printed with the Ilford logo, but be used across all 120 product lines to reduce printing, scheduling and inventory costs.

Personally, as long as it's a quality film and the tape closure shows the film designation, I don't care what the backing paper looks like.

FWIW, I also highly prefer the Fuji PSA closure to the lick-and-stick variety.

Thanks for asking!

davekarp · Dec 13, 2005

Generic would be fine with me, so long as there is some sort of identification on the adhesive wrapper or an adhesive label on the end of the paper. I just seal up the roll and drop it into my pack. I need something to tell me which film is which, in case I decide not to use my 2-bath formula.

André E.C. · Dec 13, 2005

A generic wrapper sounds good to me!
Darken the marks, I shoot an old folder with red windows (German made, not Chinese).
Licking is fine for me, I hand rool my cigarettes, lick them is part of the process.

Cheers

André

simulatordan · Dec 13, 2005

I use FP4 , HP5 , and Delta100 in my Bronica and Ensign ( which has both 6X6 and 6X9 format with two windows. I found that when I bought the ensign second-hand the red window cover had fallen off so replaced then with bits cut out of a light brown fizzy pop bottle of the same density; the lead up and numbers are quite faint but readable.
Things could change as my eyes get dimmer though.

fhovie · Dec 13, 2005

I use two different folders with red windows (both Icontas) and the Ilford FP4+ and HP5 frame numbers are nearly impossible to read in the window. I can use a sharpie to identify what the film is (not very user friendly) but there is no fix for missing frames when advancing the film because you can't read the numbers. Kodak numbers read the best so far.

BrianShaw · Dec 13, 2005

Peter Williams said:
Here's another vote for generic wrapper with printed closure. I don't mind licking stuff.

I totally agree!

Fintan · Dec 13, 2005

David A. Goldfarb said:
How about having a generic paper backing but a specific end paster for each film type?

This would do perfectly for me.

Heinrich · Dec 13, 2005

Hi Simon
here is another vote for the generic paper backing plus a labeled sticky end. My favorites are HP5 and Delta3200, might turn out rather nasty if I can not distinguish those two for processing.

Regards
Heinrich

Lee Shively · Dec 13, 2005

I shoot only HP5 and PanF and I tend to mix all exposed film in a plastic baggie until processing time comes along. If the adhesive strip identifies the film, I'm okay with that.

When HP5 went from black to white boxes, I had to condition myself to look closely at what I pulled from the camera bag. I can get used to any system as long as there's some way to distinguish the exposed film.

fschifano · Dec 13, 2005

Generic wrapper? What exactly do you mean by generic wrapper? As long as there is some sort of unique identifer for each film type, that's fine with me. However, it must be something that cannot easily be lost or destroyed. All too often, though not with Ilford films, the sticky tape at the end falls off. I've taken to carrying a small roll of adhesive tape just for these situations.

titrisol · Dec 13, 2005

If by generic wrapper you mean the same kind of paper back for all the films?
I don't see a problem in these as long as they are legible, the current ones are very hard to see in most red windows, from the films I've used
AGFA's is so far the best (white background and black nbrs), fiollowed by Kodak, but the JCPro 100 is not bad (white letters on blck bkgrd)

Re: Sticky tape at the end with either different color or just printed with FP4 or HP5 seems the best option.

P C Headland · Dec 13, 2005

I too have found the numbers hard to read on Ilford films using older folders.

I think a generic backing paper - the same across all Ilford films - would be fine, just make sure you have the Ilford branding on it! At the start and end of the paper, perhaps on a sticker, have the actual film type (Delta, FP4+, etc.).

Baxter Bradford · Dec 13, 2005

Simon Thanks for consulting us users.

Agree with Mr Callow about the branding, this is an ideal opportunity to make a big and positive statement. The end seals and bags are sufficient for me to know film type.

I am surprised that no mention has been made of the Fuji hole and peg on the inside of the plastic spool. This works so well when outside in windy conditions, or in low light. It is a simple and positive device which needs emulating.

The Fuji self-stick works well, although my kids do enjoy the minty freshness (Not now Donkey!) of Ilford licky gum when there's a roll to be sealed.

Oh while we're at it - 5x4 in Quickload compatible packets please!! But no hole in the corner of the emulsion - a silly idea by Mr Fuji.

Fintan · Dec 13, 2005

Baxter Bradford said:
I am surprised that no mention has been made of the Fuji hole and peg on the inside of the plastic spool. This works so well when outside in windy conditions, or in low light. It is a simple and positive device which needs emulating.

Oh the Fuji hole, how could we forget that. If a redesign is on the agenda, please consider this hole/spool notch. Cold hands will thank you for it.

Craig · Dec 13, 2005

Now I'm going to have to shoot some Fuji just to see what the hole is all about!

jim appleyard · Dec 13, 2005

I don't mind licking the tab, but could you make it chocolate or peanut butter flavor? Or both?

IMO, there should be some way to tell the films apart. I know we all have our own way to separate our film types, but just as certain as sunrises, susets, death and taxes, we will find a way to mix them up and then when we can't tell them apart????

Kobin · Dec 13, 2005

Thank you for interest, Simon.

My favorite recreational camera is a Zeiss Ikon folder from the 'fifties. My favorite film is HP5+, but I've had so much trouble with skipped and overlapped frames that I use Foma 400 instead in that camera. I would really appreciate more readable frame numbers.

I slip used rolls into those nice JandC 120 film canisters and snap the light-tight lid closed and don't worry about light leaks; the film foil and box are crushed into a pocket, so I need some means of film labeling if I shoot a mixed batch. Printing film type on the sticky tab will be more than adequate, I think.

Thanks again.

K.

Smudger · Dec 13, 2005

Generic wrapper

Another vote for the generic wrapper,more legible numbers,film type identifying licky stick both ends...
Ain't it swell when a manufacturer actually asks consumers what they want?

nick mulder · Dec 13, 2005

well, you've got quite a response here huh! - I haven't read all the replies but for my 2 cents worth I'll say that out all the manufacturers the fuji wrapper/tabs are the best for me... I love the hole, altho it isn't a deal breaker, the self-adhesive tab is good - remember to leave some room on it for quick notes like +2, X (for cross process etc...)

I love the myriad different colors and designs in the fuji tabs as well - they are easy to see - brand conformity perhaps not the best idea in this case

I do design and altho I'm thinking I don't have a chance in hell I'll mention that I would like to be involved in the tab graphics/layout if possible - heh!

I'll pimp any design for free

cheers,

Nick

antielectrons · Dec 13, 2005

Hi Simon,

Great of you to ask. I like many here would have no problem with a generic backing paper and branded sticky end (self-adhesive or licky) and film wrapper.

One thing I would be prepared to pay extra for, and something I am suggesting as an option for those that want it, would be 120 film in plastic canisters. Perhaps something you could sell in 10 packs to make life easier on the production side... Factor in the cost to the sale price and see how it goes...

All the best,
Antonio

Nige · Dec 13, 2005

Another "OK" for Universal backing with film specific sealing stickers. Some blank area to write a word or two would be handy too.

Have used some Fuji Acros but can't remember the sealing mechanism... wasn't so brilliant that I recall it with such fondness

As mentioned above, I am also still coming to grips with HP5 in white boxes! White Boxes = Delta in my brain!

I have some of the J&C plastic containers (their J&C Pro 100 came in them!) but I have no idea if they are completely opaque, and although if they are it's good while they are being carried, you can't rely on them stopping the film from un-rolling if the sealing sticker came loose. You'd also have to open each one in the dark just in case it had un-rolled. What they, and the alternative that I also use (Mini M&M sweet/lollies/confectionary containers which are basically the same size) are great for is protecting the film once you throw it back into your bag. I see a few people have requested film in these things... I don't think it warrants every roll to be in them, you'd end up throwing them away each time and that's just an unnecceary waste. Maybe a seperate stock item or just buy some J&C ones, or eat some M&M's!

eumenius · Dec 13, 2005

Generic backing (if it's possible, one like in the Eastern European films (Fomapan, Fortepan) - the black one with white large printing, that's so convenient and it also reduces the opportunity of fogging through ruby window, compared with usual Ilford white). BTW, Foma and Forte use the same backing for their films, but their end stickers are of course different. Gummed paper stickers, please - it's just safer in my eyes, I had problems with self-sticky things in frosty time. And the film-retaining sticky paper inside the roll shouldn't be so tough and difficult to rip - again, the sticky tape used in Foma and Forte films is like a paper scotch tape, ripping very cleanly and with no risk of getting some of its glue on the reels/emulsion. I've had also problems with the glue from sticker contaminating the reels of my Kaiser tank, making clean loading way way difficult if not nearly impossible.
I still use ORWO 120 aluminium cans for my roll film, and I think it's not yet a time for Ilford to waste money on these - the containers are nice to have, but I always needed just a limited number of them. They would make film much more expensive, of course, and most of them would find their way to bin.

Cheers from Russia, Zhenya

ILFORD Photo Request APUG Feedback On 120 Film

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