How do you use your empty film cases

[ltketch]

Since I have been developing at home I have been steadily growing my collection of those little black plastic containers that the film comes in. It doesn't seem very eco friendly to just throw them out and now their like sand, they are appearing everywhere!

So, do you have novel uses for them? If you do, tell us about it!

 

[cmedin]

Camera parts. I usually have a handful of cameras in various stages of disassembly and they're great for holding little screws and fiddly bits.

 

[btgc]

I'll second cmedin - with sticker on, they are perfect containers.

Approaching critical amount, one can build plastic wessel or floating home. Maybe 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

Many years ago I heard of a photographer who used them as roof insulation.

Cheers,

R.

 

[varjag]

You can also make a raft 🙂

 

[dmr]

I prefer the Fuji cannisters, as they seem to be of the highest quality of the common film brands and they don't leak. I like the translucent ones, since you can see what's in them, kinda. 🙂 Kodak cannisters are second best, but the Agfa ones just feel cheap and do leak. Ferrania ones are kind of Fuji clones, but the lids don't exactly fit on each other.

I use them for all kinds of things, and I admit I throw a bunch out when they multiply to the point they fill up part of the one shelf on my desk. They make a good purse size containter for aspirin and ibuprofen, and I've at times used one for hand sanitizer, just fill it up from the big bottle in the lunch room at work. I also use them for holding pieces like jump rings and such for jewelry making, and for storing the screws and little parts when attempting to fix a camera. 🙂

 

[sleepyhead]

Small change (coins)

Different currencies when travelling

Salt and pepper shakers when camping (punch small holes in one lid, but keep an un-adulerated lid as well for sealing when not in use.)

Holder for my 1.25x viewfinder magnifier (with a bit of tissue to keep from bouncing around)

 

[shadowfox]

Let's see what I put in mine:

Bits screws, O-rings, lighter fluid, old button batteries on the way to recycling station,
new batteries waiting to be used.

I also have a daugther, so we know that we won't spend a dime on beads and necklace accessories containers 🙂

 

[Morca007]

Completely legal herbs and spices. 😉

But seriously, I just throw them away. I feel a tiny pang of guilt, but I really have no use for them...

 

[sleepyhead]

Completely legal herbs and spices. 😉

Oh yeah that too, forgot about that it's been so long - or maybe it hasn't been so long, and it's just my memory that's failing. 😉

 

[sepiareverb]

All of the above uses, plus I now have a co-worker who wants them for his calligraphy students nib storage.

 

[BillP]

£32 worth of £2 coins fits EXACTLY in one Fuji tub, without rattling.

2xtubs = £64

4xtubs = £128

and so on.

It's a great way of putting some cash to one side.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Avotius]

My gf is an artist, she uses them for her installation work.

 

[Ivax]

Salt and pepper shakers when camping (punch small holes in one lid, but keep an un-adulerated lid as well for sealing when not in use.)

Hi:

You can sell them to MoMa Store. 😀

MoMa Store

They sell the same for "only" $35 a pair.

Best regards.
Xavier

 

[lex]

i get my fill developed for $1. for this price you get uncut negs. my empty canisters are used to store my developed rolls of film. i leave them in roll form because my scanner can handle a whole roll at a time.

 

[manfromh]

I've thought about building a pyramid out of them.

Actualy I use them to store all kinds of small stuff. Even put sugar in one once.

 

[Seele]

Hi:

You can sell them to MoMa Store. 😀

They sell the same for "only" $35 a pair.

Best regards.
Xavier

At my local camping supplies shop (which has since moved somewhere) I got salt and pepper shaker lids for fitting over Kodak film tubs, they also have hinged lids for keeping them from spilling; I think I paid a couple of dollars for a pair in blister pack; I gave them to photographer friends and they were indeed very appreciated, and no prize guessing what I use as my regular salt and pepper shakers.

 

[JoeV]

The black containers (Kodak and Ilford) can be fashioned into perfectly usable one-shot pinhole cameras. Use a hole puncher to make a 1/.4" hole along the side; use black tape to attach along the insides a thin square of sheet brass, with the pinhole centered on the hole. A piece of black tape covers the hole as a shutter. Load with a clip of film or photo paper. Have fun.

~Joe