OT: anyone use 127 film?

[FrankS]

Is anyone using cameras using 127 film? A bit off topic from rangefinders (though some 127 cameras may be rangefinders) but we're talking classic cameras and still non-main stream photography (which is digital and SLR film.) Where do you get your film? What camera are you using it in? Is it worth the hassle? (I'm looking at buying a box of old cameras which contains a Sawyers TLR.)

 

[Finder]

My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic with two apertures and zone focus. 127 is the same width as 35mm, but a square format. I enjoyed it and the quality was not bad. It is very nostalgic for me as that is what I started my first darkroom for developing and printing with. Have not shot 127 in decades so I can be of any help on prices and availability, but I remember B&H Photo listing it in their lastest catalog.

 

[Finder]

BTW, 127 was replaced by 110 - the 16mm instamatic format. Just have to love the simplicity of loading by just dropping in a cassette cartridge and no need to rewind.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I think you are mixing up the numbers. The Instamatics used 126 cartridge film. The 127 was a paper backed roll film slightly smaller than 120.

I have seen the odd listing for OOD film but I think you wil struggle. They have been some on other forumswith people looking for or offering old 127 spools to cut and respool 120 film.

Kim

My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic with two apertures and zone focus. 127 is the same width as 35mm, but a square format. I enjoyed it and the quality was not bad. It is very nostalgic for me as that is what I started my first darkroom for developing and printing with. Have not shot 127 in decades so I can be of any help on prices and availability, but I remember B&H Photo listing it in their lastest catalog.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

Frank,

I use a Baby Rollei 4x4. Maco B&W ISO 100 film in 127 from Freestyle.

I am in the process of making a 120 film to 127 film slitter from a couple of cheap 127 and 120 box kodaks, some 1/4 inch threaded bolts, 1/4 inch coupler, a carpet knife replacable blade, duct tape and #9 baling wire. I am not sure I will need the last two items but they always came in handy on the farm, so I've got 'em just in case I need 'em. I have a few empty 127 spools to spool the slit 120 onto. Hopefully this will allow me to use other emulsions besides the Maco 100.

Wayne

 

[pshinkaw]

I think 127 roll film is about 40+ mm in width. It's 126 that is 35mm wide and was the mass market replacement for 127 roll film. 110 was the mass market replacement for 126.

I use 127 occassionally, at least I will until I run out of film. Although I have a bunch of 127 box cameras, I usually use one of my Yashica 44's. The focusing screen is getting difficult for my eyes to see well, and if I'm going to use a roll film, I really prefer the larger screen of the 5X6 TLR.

-Paul

 

[pshinkaw]

That's 6X6 TLR!

-Paul

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

I purchased a replacement screen for my Rollei from Rick Oleson $30 shipped. Much brighter than the original screen.

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-175.html

Should work in the Sawyers also.

Wayne

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi again, It seems it is not that difficult to get hold off. AFAIK, the patterson reels have the click stop for 127 so processing shouldnt be difficult. These links might be useful.

http://www.onetwoseven.org.uk/articles/film/
http://photosupplies.co.uk/
http://www.frugalphotographer.com/cat127.htm
http://www.jandcphoto.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=9
http://www.filmforclassics.com/
https://www.central-camera.com/sear...Search=fromSearch&btnSearch.x=9&btnSearch.y=8

Kim

 

[Finder]

I think you are mixing up the numbers. The Instamatics used 126 cartridge film. The 127 was a paper backed roll film slightly smaller than 120.

I have seen the odd listing for OOD film but I think you wil struggle. They have been some on other forumswith people looking for or offering old 127 spools to cut and respool 120 film.

Kim

Oops. You are right.

 

[Finder]

B&H has Porta 160 and Ektachrome 100 in 127.

 

[FrankS]

Frank,

I use a Baby Rollei 4x4. Maco B&W ISO 100 film in 127 from Freestyle.

I am in the process of making a 120 film to 127 film slitter from a couple of cheap 127 and 120 box kodaks, some 1/4 inch threaded bolts, 1/4 inch coupler, a carpet knife replacable blade, duct tape and #9 baling wire. I am not sure I will need the last two items but they always came in handy on the farm, so I've got 'em just in case I need 'em. I have a few empty 127 spools to spool the slit 120 onto. Hopefully this will allow me to use other emulsions besides the Maco 100.

Wayne

LOL! You only forgot bungie cords and vice grips! 🙂

Really, post a photo once finished!

 

[Nick R.]

I doubt if you can still get the mounts but wasn't one of the attractions of using 127 film the ability to make large slides which still fit in a 35mm projector?

 

[pshinkaw]

I don't have a problem with the brightness of the Yashica 44 screen. It's just too small for a WL screen without adding an additional magnifier. It's a me problem, not a design flaw in the camera.

-Paul

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

I doubt if you can still get the mounts but wasn't one of the attractions of using 127 film the ability to make large slides which still fit in a 35mm projector?

Yep, Super Slides. Drop one into a regular 35mm slide show and be prepared for the Wow! factor.

Wayne

 

[bsdunek]

Gepe makes 127 'super' slide mounts. (1 5/8 x 1 5/8 or 40mm x 40mm). Adorama has them.

Gepe Mfr# 456901 SKU: GP6901

Gepe 2x2 Super Slide Mounts (40 x 40/ 1 5/8" x 1 5/8") with Anti-Newton Glass, Pack of 20 $9.95
more info


😎

 

[micromontenegro]

IMHO, it's worth the effort. The Sawyers is a real gem, better percieved quality and reilability than the Grey R'flex. (I have both, and stoped using the Baby Grey since. In fact, I tend to look at the Sawyers as the real baby R'lex, while the grey is my baby Rolleicord). Slide mounts and film are either expensive or laboriuos to get, but the results are spectacular. And a 127 TLR is a chick magnet if there ever was one!

 

[Kim Coxon]

There you go Frank. I am sure you are looking for the perfect chick magnet. 😀 :angel:

Kim

And a 127 TLR is a chick magnet if there ever was one!

 

[FrankS]

Decision made, thanks! 🙂

 

[peterc]

Is anyone using cameras using 127 film?

Check with Brian at Fotoworks, he should be able to get you Maco 127 film.

Peter