I purchased some 828 film on the evil bay. 828 film itself is made from 35mm film stock, but without the sprocket holes. It uses a single perforation to delineate the 8 frames per roll.
So, I purchased some unused 828 film, and un-wound it, removing the film from the backing. Then I used the old film to measure a length of new 35mm film. Then I attached the new 35mm film to the backing, just as the original 828 film had been. Ready to load in the camera at that point.
The Bantam Special was made to use the single perforation to stop the film advance at just the right spot. Once it stops, there's a small button on the back of the camera you push to begin to advance to the next frame. With 35mm stock, each sprocket hole catches. To get around this problem, you muist hold the button down continuously as you advance the film, and simply use the window to know when to stop. This works just fine.
The photo image overlaps the sprocket holes on top and bottom, but you don't lose too much. The camera is very elegant-- jewel like. I've run a couple of rolls of B&W through mine, but haven't printed them yet. I plan to use a negative carrier slightly larger than regular 35mm (they call them full-frame sometimes).
When you remove the 35mm film, you save the spool and backing paper to reuse. Should be good for several trips through the camera, although eventually it would tear or just wear out. As others said, you can purchase 828 film, just not at the Drug Store.
Enjoy your camera.
