Super Bond Tape? For bulk loading

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Devin Bro
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Looking for suggestions on tape for bulk loading film.

Ive used paper tape, painters tape, scotch tape, gaffer, and packing tape... but im looking for something I can get that is maybe more purpose built for the task? or possibly something with a super strong bond and thin backing?

Ive found 3M lithography tape and their Super Bond line (expensive) but cant seem to find it in 1" width for sale as single rolls.

Has anyone used Scotch Super-Hold, which appears to be the typical clear office tape with twice the stick... who knows?

Thought I might find something for splicing 8/16mm film but all I could find is tape with perforations or sticky pads.

I know this may sound extreme, but entertain me please!

There has to be something I have overlooked.
 
What's more frustrating than a camera you cannot use because
the tape failed and the exposed film can't be rewound in the field?

I have been using 3M Scotch Super 33+ electrical tape for years.
Since switching I have had no such failures with bulk-loaded film.

It holds tenaciously at all temperatures, stretches a bit if necessary
(to avoid jams at the end of the roll, e.g. when using a motor drive)
and peels off cleanly in the changing bag - no scissors are required!
It leaves no adhesive residue and it will not damage the emulsion.

Scotch Super 33+ electrical tape is available at most hardware stores.

Chris
 
Pakor

Pakor

Pakor photographic splicing tape is the industry standard for attaching film to leader cards. I don't know if I've ever had it fail in years of running minilabs since 2000. It's heat and chemical resistant so you don't have to worry about it coming off at all. This reminds me that I have to order a roll for my next 400ft of XX that I plan on loading this month.

Phil Forrest
 
Nice! I will be buying some of the Pakor tape. Bulk discount is a bonus!

I purchased a 6 pack of the Scotch Super-Hold and am going to give that a go as well.

Great suggestions guys, Thanks a ton!
 
I use the blue 3M tape, 2” width (actually 1.88”) Home Depot. It is wide enough so as I can cut off a piece, then using the width I can start the tape on top of the film then wrap it entirely around the plastic reel that goes into the film canister and still have tape for the emulsion side.

Some tape that I have used gets gooey. The blue tape doesn’t and it comes off of the film when loading it on to the reel for developing without leaving a residue.

Info on Pakor tape:

https://www.pakor.com/photographic-splicing-tape
 
Update:

I have now rolled around 60+ rolls with the Scotch super-hold and am working on my 5th roll through the F5 (a violent beast) and everthing is holding firm.

I dont mind residue, I cut before the tape, and the C41 and E-6 goes to a lab.

I did a rough pull test between two 10" strips with the Super-Hold, the film tore before the tape would peel. Thats with tape on both top and bottom. With tape on one side only the film again tore before the tape would seperate, although it did seperate before the film fully sheered. I would say its stupid strong for this application with the bonus of being less than half the price of the Pakor tape as well as being available at most any office supply store. I purchased mine a bulk lot from a office supply catalog and saved about .75$ a roll. OH its photo safe! A good tape for any job around the shop.


Also a little extra, I found TF-4 Fixer for less than 15$ shipped through BHphoto right now! Just got mine in the mail this morning. Looking forward to cutting stop out of my once a moon developing procedure. I have a full bottle of Kodak Pro indicator I need to use up, why did I buy two last time!
 
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