defconfunk
n00b
When I got my developing tanks (used) the seller threw in her old bulk loader (Llyod's, loading door held on with duct tape, but still light tight!) and an unopened 400' can of Plus-X. So I've got 60ish rolls of free film (I've developed a test strip, and it seems good). Yup, bulk loading for me.
Martytoof
Established
I just bought a Lloyd loader and 100ft of Kentmere 400 from freestyle.
For me it's not about making economic sense, it's about the freedom to load 10-roll cans so I can switch out film more readily, and so forth.
Really looking forward to it. If I like the process, I might pick up another Lloyds and get some bulk Portra-160 from ultrafine.
For me it's not about making economic sense, it's about the freedom to load 10-roll cans so I can switch out film more readily, and so forth.
Really looking forward to it. If I like the process, I might pick up another Lloyds and get some bulk Portra-160 from ultrafine.
funkydog
Well-known
As an update to my previous post, I've since bought the AP/Arista Bobinquick bulk loader. The 20 cassettes included in the box are the same plastic design as Kalt cassettes but with (imo) better felt. The loader works like a charm. Dont lose the crank. It unlocks the light trap or something when inserted. A pencil wont work.
For those who respool 500' rolls to use with the loader, the chamber is about 95mm diameter so a 80-90mm diameter spool should fit nicely. The spindle is about 7mm diameter if you're making a DIY core or rolling the film without a core. FWIW a 80mm wide roll of PolypanF should have way more than 100' because the film is thin.
The loader is compact (11x13x8cm). The only downside I see is the price if one wants to buy four to keep various film types handy.
For those who respool 500' rolls to use with the loader, the chamber is about 95mm diameter so a 80-90mm diameter spool should fit nicely. The spindle is about 7mm diameter if you're making a DIY core or rolling the film without a core. FWIW a 80mm wide roll of PolypanF should have way more than 100' because the film is thin.
The loader is compact (11x13x8cm). The only downside I see is the price if one wants to buy four to keep various film types handy.
Rangefinderfreak
Well-known
mablo: hehe, both Double-X and RPX-400 and RPX -100 available "from my fridge" RPX 100ft is € 40,- Double X a little higher (negotiable...) no extra. maybe a cup of cofee...
FrankS
Registered User
The only things that bother me about bulk loading are the wasted/exposed section of film at the end of the roll and how that wipes out the last one or two exposures at the end of each roll. This is due to the design of my bulk roller.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
Just finished loading 70+ Nikon Rf cassettes - which also works in Nikon F's ( this was TriX - 4x100 ft) and have started the somewhat sisifysian project of loading 1200 ft of XX in Leica IXMOO cassettes. In the end I will have 212 IXMOO's loaded - this should keep me going during the gloomy part of the North West fall and winter.
Adanac
Well-known
Voted no, but wished there was another poll category:
No, I mostly shoot / shot 120/220 film. Bulk loading wasn't practical.
No, I mostly shoot / shot 120/220 film. Bulk loading wasn't practical.
Michael Markey
Veteran
Me too Frank.
I`m not convinced that it is cost effective , as often claimed.
There may be other reasons to bulk load such as convenience or the ability to use unusual emulsions of course.
For mainstream film such as TriX or HP5 its cheaper to buy bricks.
Dylan Hope
Established
I actually got a bulk loader as well as some other stuff from the guy who gave his enlarger to me (Durst M800 with an almost totally separated Rodenstock 105mm). I've been thinking about bulk loading, but I can't really see the savings justifying the time I'd have to put into it. I'll keep it on hand in case any friends want to try 18 rolls of tri-x for the cost of 16 (imported), but I think we're pretty alright with paying 6-7 bucks more for convenience of 18 pre-loaded canisters.
Maybe the cost savings are significantly cheaper in the states or Europe though, but for us we'd have to buy bulk rolls in bulk to see any real savings
Maybe the cost savings are significantly cheaper in the states or Europe though, but for us we'd have to buy bulk rolls in bulk to see any real savings
crispy12
Well-known
I've only lose half a frame at the end, just be careful when putting the casette in the loader. Unfortunately Freestyle is too expensive to freight to Australia and Asia. Bulk loading is a 50% cost savings for me.
Michael Markey
Veteran
A quick scan of UK prices reveals that TriX is £4.38 ($6.99) for a single roll and £110.06 ($175.68) for a 30.5 m can.
HP5 is £5.70($9.01) a roll and £57.20($91.31) for a 30 m roll.
I loose 8 inches of film to the leader every time that I load with my Computrol loader.
Haven`t time right now to do the maths but the savings just don`t seem to be there.
At least at UK prices.
HP5 is £5.70($9.01) a roll and £57.20($91.31) for a 30 m roll.
I loose 8 inches of film to the leader every time that I load with my Computrol loader.
Haven`t time right now to do the maths but the savings just don`t seem to be there.
At least at UK prices.
wakarimasen
Well-known
Hello Michael,
You can get HP5+ cheaper than that here: AG Photographic
With postage (£5) a 10-pack costs £4.49 per roll.
Best regards,
RoyM
k__43
Registered Film User
I see the same here in Germany for Ilford and Kodak, but not for Rollei, Foma or Kentmere. I even scored a 100ft. roll of Retro80S on sale for €29.99 at macodirect. The ususal price for a 100ft. roll is €40 there. They ship to the UK too AFAIK
sepiareverb
genius and moron
I also only bulk load what I can't get pre-spooled. Namely ORWO.
Ronald M
Veteran
Is there another way?
Michael Markey
Veteran
Hi Roy
Thanks ...I must admit that I stopped using AG after I had to cancel orders because of apparent non availability.
They are bookmarked though .... so I`ll give them another try in future.
Best
Michael
MIkhail
-
Used to do it, not any more. No point, dont see the savings worth the hustle.
MIkhail
-
DO they still sell ORWO????
Was my only choice for color (slides) being 15-years old kid in Kiev.
wakarimasen
Well-known
Hello Michael,
Best to give them a call - I was there on Thursday and it's a real Aladdins' cave. Lots of film, but no Tri-X bricks or HP5 bulk rolls. Unfortunately I went for one of these, and ended up leaving with 20 rolls (HP5 and Delta 400).
Best regards,
RoyM
kanzlr
Hexaneur
hi folks, I just joined you bulk loaders...got some Fomapan 400 and a LLoyds loader.
are old Leitz metal cassettes still fine to use in a M2?
are old Leitz metal cassettes still fine to use in a M2?