Which reloadable 35mm cassettes don't shed fuzz?

rpavich · Sep 28, 2019

I have an issue. I reload my own film and use the re-usable cassettes from Adorama or B&H. I generally use KALT or I think Adorama brand and I just realized that my cassettes are shedding fuzz from the light trap strip.

Is there some brand that you know of that won't do this?

AgX · Sep 28, 2019

If someone tells me which is good and which is not, how then would I identify the respective model?

I have never come across a sample bearing a brand. (I even repeatedly inquired here on this distinguishing/branding matter.)

Pentode · Sep 28, 2019

I use a mix of brands (including Kalt) and I haven't really had any fuzz issues but I usually either blow cassettes out with compressed air or use light-tack masking tape to get extra crud out of the felt traps before I reload them. I use the masking tape like a lint roller, just wrapping some around my finger, sticky side out, and lightly pressing the velvet light trap.

One thing I've noticed is that the old Kodak Snap Cap cassettes - still readily available NIB on Ebay if you're patient - have better build quality overall and that includes the light traps. Harder to find are old Ilford cassettes, which you'll only find used (Ebay again) and which are built like tanks. They also have very sturdy traps. Even harder to find are old Ansco cassettes, also built like tanks.

The modern (I assume Chinese-made) no-name metal cassettes from the auction site or Freestyle aren't as sturdy as the old ones I listed and their light traps aren't as robust but they do work fine as long as your cassette hygiene* is good and I haven't had any real problems with them. They just don't feel as butch as the old ones.

*I just made up 'cassette hygiene'. I gotta remember that and add it to my list of techno jargon!

abruzzi · Sep 28, 2019

I bought an NOS pack of Kodak cassettes, I’ve never had issues with them shedding. They are also better made the the current crop of new metal cassettes.

rpavich · Sep 28, 2019

Does anyone know of a currently marketed brand of plastic ones that are shed free?

I guess I'll start cassette hygiene too.

John51 · Sep 28, 2019

As well as early Leicas, are there any other cameras that use felt free reloadable cassettes?

Willyekerslike · Sep 28, 2019

John51 said:
As well as early Leicas, are there any other cameras that use felt free reloadable cassettes?

NIKON F and F2.

Pentode · Sep 28, 2019

John51 said:
As well as early Leicas, are there any other cameras that use felt free reloadable cassettes?

All of the vintage Soviet rangefinders did. The vintage Canon & Nikon RFs do, too.

Ko.Fe. · Sep 28, 2019

Fuzz? What is it?
I don’t use calt, I use metal Kodak and same looking re-loadables. Around twenty since 2012.
Ten from eBay, ten purchased locally.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 29, 2019

rpavich said:
I have an issue. I reload my own film and use the re-usable cassettes from Adorama or B&H. I generally use KALT or I think Adorama brand and I just realized that my cassettes are shedding fuzz from the light trap strip.

Is there some brand that you know of that won't do this?

they all fuzz a little with age;grounding the winder before loading may help.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 29, 2019

rpavich said:
I have an issue. I reload my own film and use the re-usable cassettes from Adorama or B&H. I generally use KALT or I think Adorama brand and I just realized that my cassettes are shedding fuzz from the light trap strip.

Is there some brand that you know of that won't do this?

they all fuzz a little with age;grounding the winder before loading may help.

guangong · Sep 29, 2019

I use cassettes for Leica and Contax for reloadable 35mm. Unless using a film not already available in 35mm cassettes, I don’t see an advantage. Because I reload Minox and Minolta 16 cassettes, I reload Leica and Contax ones so that film does not remain in reloader too long. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother.

narsuitus · Sep 29, 2019

Nikon made felt-free reloadable cassettes.

These reusable and durable cassettes do not have the felt light traps that are found in the less expensive film cassettes. As a result, film is more likely to move faster and smoother as the motor drive pulls the film out of the cassette. Also, thin emulsion films are less likely to get scratched as they are pulled out of the cassette.

The reloadable Nikon F film cassette seen in the center of this image only work in the Nikon F.

The eight reloadable AM-1 film cassettes seen in this image only work in the Nikon F2.

Nikon also made a reloadable film cassette that worked only in its rangefinder cameras.

Nikon Felt-Free Reloadable Cassettes by Narsuitus, on Flickr

John Koehrer · Sep 29, 2019

There was also a British brand made for the ltm Leicas, with that; do any of the non-Leicas use Leitz cassette?

I believe I've read on the interweb that running a piece of tape through the felt light trap can clean it up a bit.

pentaxuser · Sep 30, 2019

OP, if there is a mini-lab in your town or nearby town it might be worthwhile to ask them for spent cassettes. My lab's machinery cuts the film for processing leaving about half to three quarters of an inch of the old film on the cassette. This is just about enough to stick bulk load film to it. The cassette has only been used once so the felt tip should still be fine. Most labs will have enough cassettes to give you that you might need to use each used cassette only once.

My experience of manufactured cassettes is that the felt trap is well made and fine for several uses but as I say there should be enough for each to be used only once

pentaxuser

Which reloadable 35mm cassettes don't shed fuzz?

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