Unloading and storing bulk film

[Gerry M]

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]

Gerry,

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

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]

Gerry,

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

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]

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

 

[frobozz]

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]

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]

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