Graflex.org

[Nick]

I was ordering some film when I saw this stuff. Anybody try it? I've order a couple of boxes but need to wait for shipment so I'm curious.

[glennfromwy]

You say it's defective? Is it mis-cut or?

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

[Nick]

I don't know if they had a coating problem or if the stuff was damaged in production but it's not a size issue.

[danimal]

Hi,

I have some that's cut too large to fit into 4x5 holders, but it works Ok when you shave down the 4" edge.

Dan

[David A. Goldfarb]

There was a batch that was cut too large, but I think the current defective Efke has a coating problem. As they describe it, it's hit or miss--the whole box may have streaking problems (in which case it could still be used for tests and such), or it might be fine.

[Nick]

It came this week but I haven't had a chance to use it. Hopefully this weekend.

Anybody know if J&C intends to sell any 70mm film? I'm tempted to add to my 70mm equipment but I also want some B&W film.

[David A. Goldfarb]

You could ask them. They're pretty responsive, and are willing to cut film in all sorts of ways. I suspect that if they provided 70mm it would be unperfed. They sell film in long 10" wide rolls, too, so if you were particularly gung ho, you could slit it yourself.

[Nick]

The last time I asked they mentioned something about 116 film coming real soon now. One more use for 70mm. That must have been a year ago.

The RH50 back I have can handle either type of 70mm so it's okay. I was thinking of finding a Pentax 70mm back but I'm not sure if those can handle unperforated. I know the Hassleblads need perforations. The idea of 80+ frames per roll with the Pentax 70mm back is very appealing for traveling. But with no film it's just a waste of money.

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've had the same thought, since Linhof Cine Rollex backs have been showing up really cheap, but on top of the question of obtaining film, I'd have to buy new reels and tanks to process it.

[Nick]

The Hewes 70mm reels are kind of expensive but at least one company in the US is selling reels intended for medical labs. Last time I looked price was under $10 per reel. Tanks are an issue but worse case I can work in the dark with open tanks. IIRC the medical reels only hold about 13 feet.

[David A. Goldfarb]

That's a thought. Aren't the cartridges for the Linhof and RH50 backs 15 feet? I guess I could do them in the deep tanks I have for 5x7". Any idea what the diameter of one of those reels is? I know they are larger than ordinary 35mm and 120/220 reels.

[Nick]

I don't think anybody sells pre-loaded 70mm canisters anymore. So it's really up to you what gets loaded. 15 feet was the standard. If J&C brought in 100' rolls of 70mm then that's good enough for me.

I know one person that ordered them and the reels are just too big to fit a Jobo 2500 type tank. The same tank can handle a roll of 220 or two rolls of 120. That's 10 feet I think. I measured my tank and it's about 6" outside.

[David A. Goldfarb]

I guess that's the case. Thanks for the info.

These backs go from one canister to the other, so I suppose it isn't hard to cut the film midroll, as well.

[Nick]

I've managed to process the film. I can't see anything wrong with the two sheets. But I've just glanced at them in the wash. OTOH my home made 5x7 back needs a little more work.

I asked about 70mm and Efke might be available. He's checking if that would be perforated or not.