Respooling

[gr82bart]

Here's a site that demonstrates respooling techniques by hand.

Take a look: http://www.getnet.net/%7Egstewart/respool.htm

Art

 

[djkloss]

thanks for the link. I just ordered some 620 from J&C for my Kodak Tourist. If it works I may try respooling some myself.

thanks..........Dorothy

 

[elekm]

Those are very good instructions. Respooling is surprisingly simple. The only requirement is patience. If you don't have a changing bag or would rather not sit in a dark closet, you can also use a winter coat. Button all of the buttons or zip it closed. Fold the coat over so the neck and bottom are enclosed and then slip your arms through the cuffs.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Something to be aware of, Dorothy; some 620 cameras won't take up on a resized 120 spool like the ones J&C sells. Some will -- my 620 Argoflex works just fine with 120 on both endds (after converting the supply side) -- but on others, like my 620 Kodak Reflex II, the drive key on the advance is too small to catch in the 120 spool (especially the tapered end Kodak type spools -- if you have trouble, try to get some resized film on a Chinese or eastern European spool, or post back and I'm sure someone here will find you some 620 spools for takeup).

Also, some/many 620 cameras (including my Reflex II) will very happily accept 120 supply spools with only the flange diameter trimmed (about $5 cheaper than resized, if you carry a pair of heavy nail clippers or similar), so if you have a supply of 620 takeup spools, you're independent of both respooling and resized film.

However, respooling is a good skill to practice, since there are always a few cameras, like my Savoy 620 and Ansco Pioneer 620, that won't accept any kind of trimmed or resized 620 spool, no way, no how. Five minutes in a changing bag or darkroom, and I can feed them any time I like, as long as I have two 620 spools handy.

 

[djkloss]

Something to be aware of, Dorothy; some 620 cameras won't take up on a resized 120 spool

Donald,
I guess I mis-read the info. The description says 'resized' not 'respooled', and that it's been tested on the Kodak Tourist. Guess I should pay attention. Oh well. I do have two 620 spools so if this doesn't work, I'm still able to do my own. I'll post when I get the results. I got the camera in 7th grade - discovered that my dad still had it in his collection so I asked for it back. wonder how many digital users can say that in 36 years!?