What's a good tape for bulk loading?

Ko.Fe. · Nov 23, 2020

I use fresh masking tape. No problems.

mshchem · Nov 23, 2020

hoojammyflip said:
Alternatively, instead of taping the film, make use of old Ilford plastic 35mm spools, which have a central hook. Just cut the end of the film to create a central tab of film which can be inserted into the spool. Make a hole in the tab for the hook to catch, using a hole punch.

That's genius, now I have another good reason to buy FP4. When I shoot Fuji 120 I always save the "EZ Load" spools. I love the spools and the tapes on Fuji 120.

Patrick Robert James · Nov 23, 2020

I've used a few things over the years. Gaffers tape works but it is kind of thick for the purpose. Masking tape is ok. These days I use plain ol' Scotch "Gloss Finish Multitask Tape" which is just Scotch tape. I wrap it all the way around. Works great.

You could use the tape that minilabs use to tape the film to the card before they put it through the machine. I'm sure that would work. One roll would probably be a lifetime supply.

ozphoto · Nov 24, 2020

If you're on good terms with your local film processing lab, they might be willing to part with/sell you a roll of the tape they use to attach film to leader cards. This stuff is tough, won't come off (as long as you attach correctly) when processing and best of all: easy to remove and doesn't leave any residue whatsoever.

Additionally, if you take a bulk-rolled/re-rolled C41 film to be processed, they won't have kittens and panic if they see you've used Scotch Tape (aka. here in Australia as "Sticky Tape) to attach the film to a spool.

I just bought a roll (at cost) for $AUD20.00 - it's also available through mini lab suppliers.

Trey · Nov 25, 2020

ozphoto said:
I just bought a roll (at cost) for $AUD20.00 - it's also available through mini lab suppliers.

That's a great idea, I'll ask them next time I'm in. Thanks!

Bill Burk · Nov 26, 2020

I use paper first aid tape. It feels right and is easy enough to find

Michael Teresko · Nov 26, 2020

Patrick Robert James said:
You could use the tape that minilabs use to tape the film to the card before they put it through the machine. I'm sure that would work. One roll would probably be a lifetime supply.

Like this?
https://www.climaxphoto.net/product539.html

ozphoto · Nov 29, 2020

Michael Teresko said:
Like this?
https://www.climaxphoto.net/product539.html

That's the stuff. Comes in a variety of colours depending on the supplier - when I ran a lab, we used black, blue and purple.

I preferred the blue and purple, but that was only due to removal from the leader cards - that black used to "shred" when removing, so it took longer (and when you're processing loads of the stuff, that can be a PITA), whereas 9/10 the other two, would peel off in full.

mklw1954 · Nov 30, 2020

SCOTCH/3M brand 1-inch masking tape. 3-inch piece of tape placed around the spool, then equal remaining lengths attached to each side of the film. Never had a problem, with manual and motorized advance cameras.

R.Gould · Dec 1, 2020

I haven't used bulk loaders for many years, since my loader broke, but we used to be able to get a lstrong grip, low tack masking tape, which held well and came off clean

neeksgeek · Dec 1, 2020

Gaffer’s tape is great for bulk loading.

What's a good tape for bulk loading?

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