what cassettes to reload ?

I've been using the plastic cassettes and securing the film to the spool using blue painters tape (masking tape). I've not had any problems with either, but I should add that none of my cameras have motor winding/re-winding.
 
Use metal. Plastic, especially when it is cold, can generate static electricity when rewinding the film, resulting in "lightning bolts" across your imagery.

Also the plastic attracts dust.
 
Apart from IXMOO's I do use "regular" reloadables. Kodak Snap Cap, some plastic ones and some Kalt's (about 30-40 of each).
The plastic ones are tight in some cameras and as stated before - if you overload them (30+ exposures) they can scratch. Also the felt trap is less than secure and I had it come loose.
The Kodak Snap Caps are good - but takes a while to learn. They are very secure once snapped together properly!
The Kalt and Kalt style cassettes are easy to use, but be sure that you truly "lock on" the lid. They can pop off if you squeeze them - or if you stuff too many in your pocket.
I also keep track how many time I use a cassette - after 5-6 times I usually dump them as the chance of lint or other solids getting trapped in the felt and scratch incidents is increased.
Also some of the plastic cassettes use a center spool that is slightly smaller diameter and if you use snap-cap's and plastic - keep track of the center spools as if you load the wrong one in one - it will jam!
 
I just got some of the metal cassettes from Freestyle. They're not too bad, but I had one cassette that took me about 5 minutes to snap closed. I've never tried the plastic ones, or the reused ones from packaged film.

By the way, I'm also hand rolling in a changing bag. I found this video on youtube that was helpful, so I gave it a shot. In case anyone's interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttuYnopEcg8

This guy seems to attach the film and then roll inside the cassette. I tried that, but it didn't work too well for me - I found pinching the end and turning pretty tough. I also tried putting the cassette inside a camera and using the rewind knob, but that wasn't any better. So finally I just rolled outside the cassette and stuck the whole thing in. Biggest problem is making sure I don't handle the film too much while rolling - I had one shot with what looked like a fingerprint...

Anyone else hand rolling their own? (Hope I'm not hijacking the thread)
 
For my Leicas I use FILCA cassettes for the screw mount bodies and IXMOO cassettes for my M cameras. Other cameras I use the Kodak snap cap cassettes..
 
gliderbee said:
I'm going to start loading film from bulk again; I see there are metal and plastic cassettes; is there a difference I should care for ? Any other advise about this ?
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I use both plastic and metal canisters. Plastic canisters are easier because the top screws on. Other than that, I don't really see a difference. The only problem I've had is the felt strips moving around, or coming off. That can lead to light leaks.

I also use Leica reloadable cassettes, which are fun. Also they last forever.
 
These IXMOO cassettes are getting hard to find. The only ones I find on ebay run for $25 BIN. That can buy you a box of Kalt reloadables though I generally toss those after 5-8 uses.
 
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