Used 120 spools and backing paper - recycleable ?

Paul Ozzello · Aug 9, 2022

Can anything be done with used backing paper? Is it recyclable? What about 120 spools?

eli griggs · Aug 9, 2022

Yes, you could cut down 70mm stuff and make more rolls of 120, or, you can cut down film and black papers to make 127 rolls (4x4cm) for one of the many popular cameras made before 135 replaced it as king of the roll film hill.

If nothing else save both roll and backing paper against future needs, your own or others.

Personally, I'm happy to find both, though the black paper is my most immediate need, with regard to 127 roll making.

Saving these little "throwaways" becomes more important every year as material prices skyrocket across our common photographic interest.

Cheers

Nitroplait · Aug 9, 2022

Paul Ozzello said:
Can anything be done with used backing paper? Is it recyclable? What about 120 spools?

Recyclable or reusable?
As Eli, I am saving my paper and spools for potential future reuse. You may consider donating it to someone if you can't find use for it yourself, or accumulate too many.

Paul Ozzello · Aug 9, 2022

I had no idea. I'll start saving them and give them away then.

Sirius Glass · Aug 9, 2022

I am going to save them and see if I can corner the market on used 120 spools and paper.

Disconnekt · Aug 9, 2022

You can always save them & then trade them for something on here

Cholentpot · Aug 9, 2022

I collect and use them.

I slit my own 120 down from 70mm. Paper and spools are always needed.

Philippe-Georges · Aug 10, 2022

I used the backing paper to blind some light leaking seams in my darkroom (around the door for instance).
The spools are cut to the right size so to support items while shooting tabletop...

mcfitz · Aug 10, 2022

Philippe-Georges said:
The spools are cut to the right size so to support items while shooting tabletop...

That's a great suggestion, thanks!

Nitroplait · Aug 10, 2022

Haven't done it myself, but I hear some people tape 35mm film onto the 120 backing papter to shoot panoramic in a medium format camera. I am guessing exact framing may be a problem.

eli griggs · Aug 10, 2022

Nitroplait said:
Haven't done it myself, but I hear some people tape 35mm film onto the 120 backing papter to shoot panoramic in a medium format camera. I am guessing exact framing may be a problem.

Depends on camera but for 6" x 6" or 4" x 4" in a Hasselblad, for example, you should be able to work out close tolerances for film position and viewfinder coverage.

railwayman3 · Aug 10, 2022

I'm told that black backing paper is not ideal for direct recycling, due to the black pigment, so probably better for the uses suggested.

OTOH, plastic should be recyclable.....I notice that Kodak plastic 35mm pots have the "HDPE" recycling logo moulded on them for sorting into the correct type of plastic. (I sometimes use them to pop on top of garden canes outside to prevent accidents.)

Tel · Aug 10, 2022

I've been cutting 120 backing paper down to make 127 for a long time, though I only use paper--haven't tried slitting the new plastic backing. It seems like it might be harder to work with; my slitting block makes easy work of the paper stuff. I'd be interested to know if the 120 spools recycle. 35mm cans I use on my workbench for storing small parts when I'm working on a camera or lens--the lids are great for the tiny parts and the cans for bigger ones.

Used 120 spools and backing paper - recycleable ?

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