Reloading Instamatic 126 Film Cartridges

Still have my dad's Rollei A26 camera

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DON
 
I looked into doing this years ago and one issue I remember is that without the backing paper on the film, the flange focal distance of the camera can be thrown off. The backing paper on the film pushed the film closer to the taking lens, and put the film in the exact right focal plane in relationship to the lens so that images are sharp. These old cameras have lenses that were soft anyway, so you might not notice this as much as you would with modern lenses.
 
I got a can of expired unperforated Kodak S0-016 film (Portra 160NC). I put it in a 126 cartridge and I was quite stunned by the result of the plastic lens (Instamatic 66X). Great fun shooting with the camera, too 😉

 
Thanks for the link Stephen, the first camera I bought with my own pocket money was an Instamatic 126. Happy memory. I like the look of the sprocket holes in the exposed part of the film on the reloaded cassette. Seems like too much effort now though.

BTW I notice Kodak made the Instamatic Reflex, which took Retina interchangeable lenses!
 
Pardon me if this is a dumb question, but why not just save the existing backing paper from the cartridge and use that? I mean, it's the right size, it should be there and it seems to me it would be easier than trying to manufacture one from a 120 film.

This sounds like it could be a fun project. I'd be surprised if just about everyone doesn't have an old Instamatic or two lying around somewhere.
 
CameraQuest said:
via Lomography
https://www.lomography.com/magazine/44732-recargando-tu-carrete-de-126-con-pelicula-de-35-mm

ah yes, the decadent wonders of the Kodak Instamatic 700 rangefinder, complete with motor drive and AE exposure! Less than $10 on the bay!

http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=kodak+instamatic+700
Click to expand...
The 126 Contaflex or Rollei SL26 seem more appealing to me, and might almost make messing around with the cassettes to use them worthwhile. Rolls can be developed in normal 35mm reels, too.
Cheers,
Brett
 
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