Where to buy Empty Film Cartridge?

[h2o]

Hi All,

Pls advise where can I buy empty film cartridge and how much it cost.

Thanks...........

 

[d7t3]

used ones are usually available free from developing labs

 

[Ah Pao]

It's usually free. They usually throw it away anyway. Just ask nicely from your neighbourhood developing shop uncle or auntie...ask nicely...

 

[Caspere]

Cost of each reuseable cartridiges is between $0.50 to $1.00 each, depending on the quality and the number of cartridges you buy.

What is the difference between the free ones mention above and these reuseable one are:
Easier to remove the end-caps.
Secure end-caps once it latched on properly.
Generic color; like gray, black, etc and some space on the cartridge to label.

I used to print all those PlusX, TMX400, NPS, EPL, etc labels and put them on after loading. Or if you use single type of film all the time, then write in on the cartridge using a permanent maker.

I tried those "free" ones; I find that though it is easy to pop the end-caps using a "bottle-opener" type of opener, it is harder to keep them on. Once I drop a box of rolled film, the resuseable cartridge' end-cap stays on while some of the "free" ones end-caps popped out ruining my film.

If you don't mind all the "different" color, type, ASA, on those free cartridges, I guess its OK. However, I find that my black reuseable cartridges kept the ASA on the film camera consistent. When shooting fast, it matters alot.

YMMV

Where to find in Singapore? I don't know. I bought my when I was in the US. Anyone else can help??

BTW, I am selling my bulk rolled films in those reuseable cartridges. So if you are looking for these cartridge and would like to try some of the film. I am using digital now, so I have already sold the bulk roller. These are the film I am getting rid of.

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=137426

 

[MDZ2]

I have used both used cartridges as well as the reuseable types. In my opinion, the used ones are better in terms of durability and security. I found my reuseable ones tend to loosen at the end caps and also the films tend to jam at about 32 frames ie. the internal diameter is too small to fit all 36 exposures. With the used cartridges, most times, I was able to cramp up to 39 exp.
Also, if you can collect the correct type ISO cartridges from the lab, you won't have to set your camera ISO manually . learnt this the hard way when I put ISO 200 films in ISO100 cartridges so the camera took everything in 100. Luckily most of the pics were salvagable.

if you cant find enough of the same cartridges of the same iso setting, you can always use alluminium tapes and copy the shiny portions of the correct iso cartridges. Alternatively, if you cant get metal tapes, just scrape off all the black pain until all the iso coding is shiny then start taping over those portions that have to be black. Its that simple.

 

[MDZ2]

I tried those "free" ones; I find that though it is easy to pop the end-caps using a "bottle-opener" type of opener, it is harder to keep them on. Once I drop a box of rolled film, the resuseable cartridge' end-cap stays on while some of the "free" ones end-caps popped out ruining my film.

Actually it's better not to remove the end-caps of these cartridges as it renders them permenantly damaged. What I do is to use cello tape and attach the new film to the 1-2 inches of old film usually left behind by labs. Never had any film loosen on me before.

 

[megaweb]

You can ask your neighbourhood developing shop and usually they will give film cartridges to you free. It would be better to buy sometimes for them and then ask them nicely. Try to ask in the evening time before the shop close.

Since it is free, dun expect them to sort the ISO film for you.