Bulk rolling film

[crispy12]

Hi guys,

I'm currently in Australia but will be in Singapore for the next two months. I'm interested in rolling my own film in order to save costs, does anyone have experience with this? I've seen some videos on youtube, it looks very easy. Does anyone have any experiences to share, do you think it's worth the effort? I'll probably go check out some shops next week when I have time, anyone have any recommendations on places to buy bulk film cheaply in SG?

I've also been using Ilfosol 3 as dev, I've read a few threads that HC110 is good for room temp development? Just curious what is the normal room temp water? In brisbane it's about 24-26deg.

I've been using Lucky recently (save money!) but I prefer TX or HP5 as I get much, much better results. Thanks everyone

 

[paapoopa]

bulk roll is easy, just make sure you secure the end part of the film with a tape, so you dont advance all the way to the other side when you took your last shot.

you can check out this shop call ruby photo in peninsular plaza. they sell bulk films and loader.
actually around that are you can find photography related stuff, its our golden triangle
1.291782,103.850535 - Google Maps

 

[Yoricko]

If you have the money, just buy fresh canisters.

In my view, the purpose or bulk rolling is only to: 1- Save money, 2- Roll to any amount you like to a roll. These would only help the fervent film photographers out there who shoots a tremendous amount of film. Bulk rolling film takes up time, can scratch your film if you're not extremely careful, and can be quite limiting in some sense because you have to finish that 100' fast.

You can only get the 'usual' films to bulk in Singapore. To bulk 'exotic' films, you would have to ship one from overseas.

It is easy, but it does take up time. So I will normally play some music while I mindlessly load the canisters ...

 

[crispy12]

Of course not enough money! I will try out one roll and see how the results go. If the savings are 30% or more than I think it's more than worth it. I usually shoot at least 2 rolls a week, sometimes 3 or 4 so I think it shouldn't really last that long. How fast should I use the 100', is there a recommended time to use after opening?

 

[knight84]

I remember considering the option but remeber to factor in the sunk cost of the bulk roller.

Also in singapore u only get tri x bulk roll.

Cheers
A

 

[Benji77]

If you shoot plenty of B&W film, bulk rolling is the way to go. A 100ft of TriX is $70 (as of now). It gives you approximately 36 shots/roll @ 18 rolls = $3.80/roll.

If you buy fresh canisters, it's $7/roll * 18pc = $126. The difference is $56.

One AP Bulk Loader is $90 (I think), the dark bag is $23 = $113.

Shoot two bulk loaders and you BREAK EVEN.

You can bulk load and watch TV, listen to music. It's actually very therapeutic to roll, trim and cut the film. It takes about 40min/roll (Max).

 

[raytoei]

err..anyone know how to bulk roll 120 format ? LOL

 

[crispy12]

Just some of my experiences recently:

I met some nice people around peninsula who directed me to Ruby Photo, which sell Tri-X and HP5 and some other in bulk rolls between $70+ and 80+ respectively. The staff there are really nice and friendly. I love that shop. I decided to use a dark bag as I'm really on a budget and can get a bulk loader for almost free anyway in Brisbane (old photogs just throw them away otherwise). Took quite a bit of practice to figure the best way to attach the film to commercial used canisters. I ended up inserting about 1cm into the cassette slot under the remnant piece on emulsion side, and taping it by wrapping black tape around in a very flat thin layer. I sacrificed 15cm of negative to practice in daylight, later on a few rolls while watching TV. Agree with Benji that it's quite therapeutic.

Also realised that the medium changing bag I bought is really a bit too small for this task(anyone interested, get the biggest changing bag or box). Maybe later I'll roll the rest in the darkroom instead. So far no scratches, I use the cassettes once and discard after since they are free anyway.

Being able to load 10-20 exposures is really great, I don't have to force myself to finish a 36exp roll if I'm eager to see the pics. I keep 2 short rolls and 1 longer roll in my bag. Also good to test developing times with my favourite film. I suppose it won't be worth it for busy people or those who can afford it.

 

[Benji77]

You should re-use the canisters (eco-friendly).
Commercial canisters with their film leader (on the outside), just need a broad (wide) tape. Dont use the electrical tape as they are too thick. You may not be able to retrieve the film if it get sticky.

I personally use the 3M (3/4 tape) as they do not leave a residue, and come with an easy tear dispenser.
You can use cheaper options, no harm.

The film leader when connected, should not overlap one another. They should just touch each other, leaving a flat, flush surface.

The Ilford Delta 400 bulk load is rarely seen at Ruby, and they run off quick.

Enjoy!

 

[crispy12]

Thanks for the tips, I'll try that. Tape dispenser is really very useful, I found cutting the tape with scissors to be the most stressful part in changing bag or dark room. I tried putting the ends flush as you say, but it's quite hard without a loader. Once I find one i'll try that method out.

 

[Benji77]

Ermm, why do you have to cut the tape in the dark bag as well as the film leader to the cassette?
This is all done in daylight with the loader.

 

[sweat100]

err..anyone know how to bulk roll 120 format ? LOL

Fei fei used to sell a 120 bulk loader. I am not sure if it is still there.

 

[oceanpriest]

Fei fei used to sell a 120 bulk loader. I am not sure if it is still there.

didn't know that 120 film can be bulk loaded. any link?

 

[Benji77]

didn't know that 120 film can be bulk loaded. any link?

Yeah, I didnt think it would be possible. How would we roll up the paper that protects the film?