Old Bulk Loader Warning

I ordered a fresh roll of Arista EDU 100 B&W negative from B&H to test various cameras I haven't shot with in a long time (or ever).

Found some interesting facts when it arrived:

1. The roll inside the bag was not taped down and very loose on the core. Disappointing.
2. The core was a standard 2 inch cine core; much larger than an old bulk loader core.
3. The load would not fit in my old Watson Model 51C bulk loader; it was physically too large to fit.

Had to empty out a "more modern" bulk loader and use it instead.

So if you have one of these ancient bulk loaders, be aware before you order Arista EDU. Not sure what core (or none) other manufactures are shipping bulk loads on, but take that into account...

Kodak uses a 2 inch core IIRC?

mshchem said:

Kodak uses a 2 inch core IIRC?

Click to expand...

Not sure now. Been forever since I ordered a bulk roll of Kodak. From what I recall, it used to come on a "tube" that resembled water pipe, but my memory might be incorrect. I do have a bag of those older "cores" in my reloading supplies.

Wonder if this one was one of those loaders they sold just after WWII when 50 foot loads of all the surplus film were easily available?

Yeah that's older than anything I have. Definitely was a lot more options in bulk film, different lengths, pre-cut etc.
I bought a 400' roll of Ektachrome when it was available, I spooled of a couple rolls on the Eyemo 35mm 100' camera spools, metal sides like a roll of 16mm, much easier to handle. These bulk rolls require all my attention lest they get out of hand.