Where to buy 118 to 120 film adapter?

rrunnertexas · Jun 24, 2015

Recently I purchased an old Kodak folding camera that uses 118 sized film.

Can anyone help me find a place that sells film spacers/adapters so that I can use 120 film in this camera?

Or, is there a simple way to make an adapter at home?

Thanks for the help!

Sirius Glass · Jun 24, 2015

Welcome to APUG

No ideas at this moment I will see what I can remember.

Gerald C Koch · Jun 24, 2015

First check the camera for light leaks. If the bellows are in poor shape then it might not be worthwhile going further.

It's not just fitting the roll in the camera. You need frame numbers at the right locations on the paper backing in order to advance the film correctly.

Assuming that all light leaks have been attended to, my suggestion would be to use sheet film and use the camera as a one-shot. You can use a changing bag to transfer film in and out of the camera. In this case remember to cover the red window with black electrical tape.

Meyer Trioplan · Jun 24, 2015

The 122 to 120 adapter *MIGHT* work here...

http://www.holgamods.com/holgamods/3D.html

That said, this fellow does his own 3D printing, and loves challenges, so if there is something unique on the 120 reels, he may be able to print you a custom adapter.

gone · Jun 24, 2015

Here you go. These are all DIY links. I know of no one that sells a ready made adapter, but it would sell if they did I think. If you don't want to do it yourself, the link above is probably your best shot.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/fornerolj/5486803573/in/set-72157626044899783

http://www.instructables.com/id/KODAK-Autographic-NR3-Model-H-118-to-120-film-adap/

Dead Link Removed

rrunnertexas · Jun 24, 2015

Gerald - did not find any light leaks, I think I got a nice one. I will sacrifice a roll of 120 and count the turns it will take to advance each frame after making an exposure, then make a label to help me remember. I will tape off the red window and not use it at all for frame counting.

Meyer - I checked the link and sent the holgamods guy a message to see what he might be able to do. Thanks for that suggestion.

Interesting though, that with all of the older 118 film cameras that there not any adapters commercially available.

I imagine this would be a long shot, but Kodak or Ilford should consider making all the old roll film sizes again. That would open the door to using these vintage cameras again.

Gerald C Koch · Jun 24, 2015

Some years ago there was a gentleman who sold respooled aerial film in various sizes. His main problem was getting backing paper. Good luck, it sounds like a fun project.

PCC · Jun 24, 2015

Someone with a lathe should be able to whip something up for you fairly easily. If you're anywhere near San Francisco I could probably make you the adapters in a little over an hour.

480sparky · Jun 25, 2015

The holgamods guy would probably be happy to make the adapters. The 120-122 adapters he makes were done when someone with a Kodak 3A sent him the camera and a 120 and 122 spools and he was able to create the file for a 3D printer.

He may want you to send him the spools and the camera to make sure everything fits and works.

rrunnertexas · Jun 25, 2015

Solution - The Holgamods guy is going to help me out with this. I am will send him a 118 film spool and he will see if he can produce a set of proper adapters.

Meyer Trioplan · Jun 25, 2015

Perfect! I'm running 120 film through a 122 camera with a similar adapter and have had good results, so I wish you all the best. Creating new photo goodies is a clear labor of love for the Holgamods fellow!

Where to buy 118 to 120 film adapter?

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