Touching film

[AgX]

Another advantage is the counting mechanism of a bulk-loader.

Well, one could measure up the needed film length (two-nail-method), but when doing it manually, I just spooled until the film reached the flanges of the spool, by this gaining about 42 exposures. However more modern cameras typically rewind after 36 exposures so that won't make sense with such cameras. Aside from the fact that exposing beyond the film-counter reading means memorizing the number of exposures.

 

[Rick A]

Is it ok to touch exposed film when putting it in the reels and when bulk-loading?

So far I haven't had any trouble from touching the sides and base side of the film with my bare fingers when loading developing reels; I figure it just washes off in the chemicals.

I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to get away with this when bulk-loading unexposed film. I find it pretty easy to bulk-load but only if I'm "allowed" to touch the sides and base of the film with my bare hands. I would have a lot harder time if I had to wear gloves.

Thoughts?

They make thin white "lintless" cotton gloves just for handling film. They can be purchased from Porters and probably Freestyle.
Rick

 

[tim_walls]

I already have a couple of bulk loaders but I don't like them. I have to use them in the darkness or else I lose the last frame or two from each roll, so what's the point. I typically roll a whole 100 ft roll in one go so there's just not much point in putting in the bulk loader just to use it up right then.

These are the Watson style bulk loaders, correct? (http://www.amazon.com/Watson-100-35mm-Bulk-Loader/dp/B0000E214E)

They are indeed bloody awful, and waste the first few frames of the film with the stupidly long exposed transport section.


You want to get yourself one of the AP/Bobinquick style loaders (http://www.firstcall-photographic.c...sing-equipment/0/ap/ap-bulk-35mm-film-loader/ ). They waste no film, and are much more solidly made.

 

[brianmichel]

I've always washed/dried my hands before loading, and I've gotten my fingers all over the base before without any ill affects.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Use nitrile powder free gloves.

Ditto, I've also found this works the best. About $12 (? - probably more by now) for two boxes of 100 at Costco. The place in AZ sounds cheaper.