roll your own?

[back alley]

i'm trying to get a fix on how many people bulk load their own film or buy ready made.

 

[sirius]

Awesome title for your thread back alley, funny!

 

[bmicklea]

I voted yes althought technically it's "no" at the moment. I'm going to roll my own for the first time soon - just waiting for the 100' rolls of Delta 100 and Delta 400 to arrive...can't wait!

 

[ForeverUnknown]

Not at the moment, but I will/want to soon.

 

[FrankS]

I did in my twenties, then again a couple of years ago, and probably will again in the future, as I think film prices will continue to increase.

 

[rbiemer]

I have before in the distant past. Since I'm shooting C-41 film almost exclusively these days, not currently.
If this poll had been in the "off topic" section, I might have had a different answer...🙄
Rob

 

[wlewisiii]

I do use bulk film - Plus-X & Fomapan/Edu.Ultra are my favorites. But oh do I wish that Fuji sold Reala in 100' rolls... :bang: :bang: :bang:

William

 

[astrosecret]

Currently I'm trying to work out a way where i can roll kodak vision 2 expression (cine) stock and get it developed in short rolls... stay tuned..

 

[Ossifan]

Definitely like to bulk roll film - I've got three bulk loaders in the fridge now (Tri-X, Fomapan, and Arista II, which, I think, is rebranded Agfa). Plus I've got another 600 Feet of assorted film in the freezer. It is cheaper; however, I also like having control over the process from start to finish.

Daniel - what ISO do you rate your Fomapan at?

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Ororaro]

Of course!

Who can say no to paying 1$ to 2$ the 36 exposure film instead of paying 3-6$ ready-made?

 

[jmi]

Yes, some of the time. Over here bulk reels come out to be about the same cost as or more expensive than buying 36-exposure rolls, and you have to factor in the equipment cost too (bulk loader and cannisters). Hence I'd recommend checking that is actually is cheaper if doing it purely for reasons of cost. I expect over the other side of the pond it's more clear-cut...

Of course there is an advantage of bulk loading - one can load only the quantity of film that is required, which for me is typically about a 12 exp roll. I'm doing it because somebody gave me an unwanted loader, cannisters and three rather old reels of FP4 for free 🙂

 

[rover]

I tried and failed and sent the bulk loader away.

 

[fidget]

I took advantage of the sale of outdated rolls of Agfa APX400S and bought a few rolls to play with. The loaders are available very cheaply, just finding some good cassettes has been a problem as some scratch the film. I found that reusing normal cassettes is very good, provided that I remember to leave a little tongue of film sticking out to attach the roll to. Other problems have been down to the film itself, finding a good speed rating and development for it.
I saw some HP5+ for sale here, it seems to work out at around half the ready rolled cost (without factoring the extra kit needed), but overall the choice of film seems to be very limited.

Dave...

 

[thetooth]

of course . three Lloyd's bulk loaders with Tri-x , Pan F , and FP4 .

 

[Ossifan]

Thanks Daniel! This is my first time shooting with Fomapan and I really appreciate the advice.

Cheers,
Alex

 

[Screwy]

I went the Agfa apx400s route as £5.00 ($9.70) for 150 foot it allowed me to try bulk loading for very little outlay .



Paul

 

[Mackinaw]

Yes I do bulk load, mainly Efke 25 and APX 100. Easy to do and I love being able to load film to varying lengths.

Jim B.

 

[rover]

I am pretty impressed with the results, I may have to try again.

 

[erikhaugsby]

Right now I see no reason not to roll film--I control how many exposures I want, a re loadable-cartridge opens with ease unknown to pre-packaged film, and prices are immensely lower than pre-packaged film.

and it isn't boring.

 

[peterc]

I have a bulk loader and if I come across a good deal on bulk film, I press the loader into use.
I've been using Silvertone (100 and 400) recently. It's cheap enough that pre-loaded is almost the same cost as bulk.

Peter