What are your favorite off-brand/generic films?

marcmarc · Feb 24, 2015

After reading up a bit on ORWO UN54 I was tempted to looking into trying some, but then I discovered it's not manufactured in cassettes and has to be bulk loaded.

Xmas · Feb 24, 2015

marcmarc said:
After reading up a bit on ORWO UN54 I was tempted to looking into trying some, but then I discovered it's not manufactured in cassettes and has to be bulk loaded.

Your auto won't have a stick shift then?

Ricardo Miranda · Feb 24, 2015

marcmarc said:
After reading up a bit on ORWO UN54 I was tempted to looking into trying some, but then I discovered it's not manufactured in cassettes and has to be bulk loaded.

A second-hand bulk loader isn't expensive.
ORWO only makes film for cine now, so they are all in tins.

marcmarc · Feb 24, 2015

Actually, I do drive a 5 speed and prefer a stick shift to a automatic. I've considered bulk loading before, but it just seems too inconvenient and I've read horror stories about light leaks and scratched film.

railwayman3 · Feb 24, 2015

marcmarc said:
Actually, I do drive a 5 speed and prefer a stick shift to a automatic. I've considered bulk loading before, but it just seems too inconvenient and I've read horror stories about light leaks and scratched film.

I've heard similar tales about some of the older plastic loaders, but I've used a Konica loader for many years with no problems. Once the bulk roll is dropped-in in the device in the dark (couple of minutes in a changing bag or a fully dark room), it's as simple as turning a handle to load the required number of exposures. The same loader seems to still be available under the "AP" brand ( http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/products/857/ap-bulk-35mm-film-loader )...it's quite small, not as big as it looks in that pic, and a quality item. Price isn't cheap, but you perhaps have to relate it to the cost of a bulk roll of film.

AgX · Feb 24, 2015

One does not need a loader. I bulk-loaded from my 4th film on. Did not even know back then that a bulk-loader existed.

fstop · Feb 24, 2015

Kodak 64

railwayman3 · Feb 24, 2015

AgX said:
One does not need a loader. I bulk-loaded from my 4th film on. Did not even know back then that a bulk-loader existed.

That's true....I remember as a schoolboy loading cheap 35mm HP3 (probably surplus movie stock) in the dark with just a pair of scissors ! I rolled enough film into the cartridge until it seemed full....and it gave almost exactly 36 exposures ! (But a bulk loader does make life easier...)

Forrest Conifer · Apr 10, 2015

I found a nice guide that mentions some cheaper stocks I hadn't heard of before: http://curatingcuteness.com/2013/05/35mm-film-guide/

Also, not as inexpensive but certainly some interesting, off-the-beaten track films here: http://www.labeauratoire.com/film/index.html

dosilverhalide · Apr 10, 2015

I picked up a film loader at an antique store last week, and it sounded like a roll was in it. The label said trix, Nov 71 on it. Didn't buy it. I tried Foma 200 for a while at 125, both 100 ft rolls I purchased had scratches the entire length . I've tried a few 24 frame rolls and they came out all right. I have purchased about 45 roll of color labeled BiLo, finest. The boxes are marked not Kodak. Other markings place manufacture in Italy. Ferrania, I think.This picture is from a roll off 200, shot at 50, developed at CVS one hr, no photo shop. J.

Ricardo Miranda · Apr 10, 2015

Thanks for the links!
Nice sites.
A word of caution about the labeauratoire films: some are re-brands or very expired films. Svema films haven't been made in years. The factory now is in ruins.
And in a world where present film production is on constant threat of ceasing, it is always best to invest in films that are fresh.

What are your favorite off-brand/generic films?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency