Unloading and storing bulk film

Gerry M · Mar 27, 2011

I hope this is the right forum for my questions. If not, moderator please move.
My questions: I just bought another bulk film loader and it came with some unknown b&w film already loaded. I want to remove and store it for future use (maybe). I can easily enough remove the roll in a changing bag, but how do I store it to ensure no light can get to it? My factory cans are in use with fresh rolls in them. What type of container will work to store this in the fridge? Appreciate any input.
Gerry

jmcd · Mar 27, 2011

Gerry,

These days the new rolls come in black plastic bags folded over, and stored in boxes that are almost light-tighta box or tin with a lid (whereas many sheet-film boxes are three piece, still shipped with the opaque bagsome are two piece with the opaque bag).

I have some extra tins, boxes, and bags, and would send a set on to you for postage.

When I store these in the fridge or freezer I also seal them in a zipper plastic bag, mainly so that when I thaw them they do not produce much condensation inside.

Worker 11811 · Mar 27, 2011

If you are going to put more film in your bulk loader, just put the existing roll into the container that the new film came out of but be sure to label it clearly enough so you will know what's inside.

While you are at it, cut off a foot or so of that unknown film and develop it (without exposing it to light) so you can read the edge codes and figure out what the stuff is.

Gerry M · Mar 27, 2011

jmcd said:
Gerry,

These days the new rolls come in black plastic bags folded over, and stored in boxes that are almost light-tighta box or tin with a lid (whereas many sheet-film boxes are three piece, still shipped with the opaque bagsome are two piece with the opaque bag).

I have some extra tins, boxes, and bags, and would send a set on to you for postage.

When I store these in the fridge or freezer I also seal them in a zipper plastic bag, mainly so that when I thaw them they do not produce much condensation inside.

John,
Thanks for that. I'll get back to you soon.
Gerry

Gerry M · Mar 27, 2011

Worker 11811 said:
If you are going to put more film in your bulk loader, just put the existing roll into the container that the new film came out of but be sure to label it clearly enough so you will know what's inside.

While you are at it, cut off a foot or so of that unknown film and develop it (without exposing it to light) so you can read the edge codes and figure out what the stuff is.

Randy,
It may be some time in the future before I try this unknown roll. I want to keep my current tins empty and available for their own product.
I will do a test on this unknown film and try to determine what it is. Thanks for your input.
Gerry

John Shriver · Mar 27, 2011

Aluminum foil, a few layers. Carefully -- don't want any tears.

frobozz · Mar 28, 2011

Sometimes it pays to be a packrat. I've saved a *lot* of the metal tins and plastic bags and plastic cores from all the bulk film I've bought over the years. Recently I've started playing with spooling down 400 and 1000 ft rolls of movie film into 100 ft rolls to put in a bulk loader and spool down to cartridges for my cameras. I've used all those saved tins up again, imagine that.

Duncan

cmacd123 · Mar 28, 2011

frobozz said:
Sometimes it pays to be a packrat. I've saved a *lot* of the metal tins and plastic bags and plastic cores from all the bulk film I've bought over the years.
Duncan

I would agree with that.

I have used cans years later, at the moment there is about 150ft of PanF+ movie stock in a 200 ft can that came with a short end about 25 years ago (the can not the film)

Two thoughts, If you happen to be near a movie lab, they generally have cans and black bags, and are unlikely to want much (any) money for a couple. Most common size holds 400ft , but you can put the film in the bag and fold it over to ensure it is closed. Might want to use a touch of Masking tape.

If there is not a film lab handy I have seen the cans and bags on e-bay.

see ebay Item number: 310301309881 for an example of the bags. the same guy often has cans for sale.

frobozz · Mar 29, 2011

Right, if you need the plastic cores you can get them by the hundreds on there too. I am slowly gaining a set of empty metal cans and bags in the bigger sizes too. At some point it will all be empty and make me look like a hoarder again

Duncan

Unloading and storing bulk film

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