Bulk Film and Film Brands

[teleparallel]

And now, I bulk load my film!

From RFF knowledge I'd like to know.

Is it advantageous to use more than 36 exposures, and so losing a little less strip since it takes about five blank exposures(acording to my Bobinquick counter) to make the leader and such. If so, how many exposures? How many will fit in the canister without any problems.

Also Kentmere vs Arista EDU?(is Arista EDU Fomapan?)
A intend to push it to 800 speed. Any samples?

Thanks

 

[alienmeatsack]

It's actually recommended that you do not do anymore then 36 per a bulk loaded roll. This puts too much film into the cassette and can cause issues with scratching.

I typically do about 32-36 in mine and I am pretty careful when loading so I end up most of the time with the max number of frames out of the roll as I can. The amount of leader you end up "wasting" will depend on your camera as well.

 

[Mackinaw]

You may be able to load about 40 exposures, max. Remember that you're trying to cram over five feet of film into a little 35mm cassette. Alien is right, anything more than 36 exposures and you risk scratching the film. I limit my max to about 36 exposures.

Jim B.

 

[Pioneer]

I load each cassette to the 30 mark on the loader. This typically nets me between 25 or 26 exposures. This fits nicely in my developing reel and fits with no issues in my negative page. I know I loose a few frames this way but it works for me so I don't get to worried about it.

I am basically re-loading for myself so I do what makes it easy for me. I am already saving money so the loss of a few frames of film is not an issue. YMMV

 

[teleparallel]

Noted,

Thanks.

Now about the Kentmere vs Arista EDU?

 

[Pioneer]

I don't know about Kentmere, haven't tried any yet, but Arista EDU 400 can be pushed to 800...barely. You can lose some shadow detail depending on the image. It almost acts to me like 400 is already a bit of a push for this film. I tend to prefer going the other way as it seems to like 200 better.

 

[Overkill-F1]

I try to get 30 exposures per roll, then they fit perfectly into the plastic storage sheets that I use.
Another thought, the SS reels I use are almost full with 36 exp, so any extra length would end up flopping around.
...Terry

 

[Bill Clark]

When developing, I've had challenges loading a 40 exposure roll of film on to a reel. I use Paterson equipment and it seems like a few frames don't get properly loaded.

 

[Tijmendal]

Noted,

Thanks.

Now about the Kentmere vs Arista EDU?

Kentmere for sure. Arista EDU (rebranded Fomapan) is VERY contrasty and is actually better shot rated at around 250. Kentmere on the other hand (also sold as Rollei RPX) is much better for pushing. Not Tri-X or HP5 good, but pretty good nonetheless. It's a cubic film that's just fine at 800. I've shot quite a few rolls rated at 800 and the results were good. The Fomapan's shadows will block up very quickly (unless you maybe use Diafine/Acufine, which I haven't).

 

[kxl]

I load each cassette to the 30 mark on the loader. This typically nets me between 25 or 26 exposures.

This is also what I do, although in the past, when I was experimenting with film/developer combos, I would only roll enough to net about 10 exposures.

 

[Kkiuru]

I usually load just 24 exp rolls. 36 exp rolls is too much for me, before i'm done wit it i need to change to a different speed or push. 24 is perfect.

I like Kentmere 400 a lot. I just got a bulk roll of K100 as well. I used to get good result with Foma 400 too, lately just ****. I still have an unopened bulk roll of Foma in the freezer. Thinking of using it as a weight for a fishing net.

So Kentmere before Foma, my opinion.

 

[haempe]

Kentmere 400 @800; ~10min; 24°C in TMaxDeveloper gives good results, IMHO.

straight from the scanner, no PP

 

[Ronald M]

My fav is Sandisk or Lexar. Sometimes T Max 100

 

[taskoni]

I load Orwo N74 Plus, between 36 and 40 exposures. No problems so far.

Regards,

Boris

 

[emayoh]

I think making darkroom contact sheets with more than 36 frames is a huge PITA, on the off chance you're considering doing that.