Fomapan in plastic cartridge, how do I get the lid off?

[Muggins]

Apologies for the awful phone photo! I've just finished a roll of Fompan 100 35mm, and realised I've never seen a film cassette quite like it. Anyone know how I get into it? Uncle Google doesn't seem to be my friend, unless I press down on the long end like a
reusable cassette, and I don't want to try until I am ready to process.

 

[Mackinaw]

This looks quite similar to what Lomography uses. This video may help:

 

[Coldkennels]

Personally, I opt for just ragging them open.

Get your thumbs into the gap the film comes out of and pull it apart. The top and bottom are so weak you should be able to pull the whole canister completely in two with just that force.

 

[santino]

This looks quite similar to what Lomography uses. This video may help:

Nightmare… what was wrong with the old metal/plastic cartridges? I bet it is cost saving 🤔

 

[Muggins]

Yes, that does look very similar. Thank you both, that should save me some swearing!

 

[Muggins]

Nightmare… what was wrong with the old metal/plastic cartridges? I bet it is cost saving 🤔

I suspect a single material makes them easier to recycle.

 

[Coldkennels]

And assemble. From what I remember, they're two moulded bits of plastic that are just pushed together - far simpler than the three-part metal ones which need the top and bottom to be crimped on.

 

[Derek Leath]

I use the vintage bottle opener, same as the metal cassettes

 

[agentlossing]

This looks to be the same canister as the Shanghai film is using now, and there's an actual tool you can buy to get them open easier. Easily enough found bundled with the film on eBay: Shanghai GP3 135 35mm B/W Roll Negative ISO 100 + Film Cassette Cartridge Opener | eBay

 

[DownUnder]

We do sympathise.

I use my teeth. Not advisable if you have dentures. With crowns/implants, don't even go there, unless your pearlies are of solid metal with at least 10-centimeter screws.

Failing which, a drill.

Hope this helps...

(Fervent apologies - something came over me, I couldn't help myself)

 

[Muggins]

We do sympathise.

I use my teeth. Not advisable if you have dentures. With crowns/implants, don't even go there, unless your pearlies are of solid metal with at least 10-centimeter screws.

Failing which, a drill.

Hope this helps...

(Fervent apologies - something came over me, I couldn't help myself)

That is exactly the sort of dumb, ridiculous post...

... that I crash threads with!

You are forgiven, it gave me a good smirk.

 

[FotohuisR]

This tool to open it:

OPENER OF PLASTIC CASETTES | Otvírák na plastové kazety |FOMA BOHEMIA e-shop

 

[santino]

This tool to open it:

OPENER OF PLASTIC CASETTES | Otvírák na plastové kazety |FOMA BOHEMIA e-shop

Very elegant tool!

 

[Muggins]

Thank you! I'll check the sellers of Fomapan over here before going direct because VAT etc.

 

[FotohuisR]

Outside the EU you do not pay Cz VAT but you have import duties and probably additional costs. Apart from the fact Foma shop is willing to send it outside the EU and the addional high transport costs.

 

[Ororaro]

I crack them open with my fingers, from the slit

 

[Godfrey]

Interesting ... I didn't know that several manufacturers had gone to all plastic cassettes.

I haven't cracked a cassette open in quite a while because I use daylight loading tanks: I just leave the leader out when I rewind and drop the cassette and the film attached to the cassette and spool into the tank. When done, just cut off the film and toss the cassette.. 🙂

G

 

[FotohuisR]

It is a very safe way to load the tank. Further if you are using re-loadable (metal) cassettes less risk it will open suddenly in an unwanted moment. On most automatic cameras you have the option to leave the leading part of the film out. And manual you can stop with the crank if you feel no pressure on it anymore. And you have always an option to use a film retriever.

 

[yanchep_mike]

We do sympathise.

I use my teeth. Not advisable if you have dentures. With crowns/implants, don't even go there, unless your pearlies are of solid metal with at least 10-centimeter screws.

Failing which, a drill.

Hope this helps...

(Fervent apologies - something came over me, I couldn't help myself)

Great!!

 

[santino]

Am i right that those cassettes are actually reloadable? - At least when you use the Foma tool and don’t damage them…?!?

I know that traditional metal cassettes in theory too, but usually something gets deformed and the cassette is trash.