Graflex.org

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

Hi,
I picked up one of these today. My understanding is the simplest thing is to use a 620 takeup reel. But a while back we discussed the 120 to 620 adapters that are being sold. Did anybody try those with an adapt a roll? It would be a lot easier to use 120 take up spools.

clnfrd · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 10:33 pm Post subject:

I stupidly bought some of those "adapters". They were very thin pieces of bright metal with 620-size holes punched in the center. Instructions were to glue them to the ends of 120 spools with contact cement. Problem is, 120 spools are slightly larger... and have ridges... so that they would still be difficult to use where a 620 spool is intended. I tossed the adapters aside. Best bet is to get some 620 spools for take-ups and re-cycle them. ( I "borrowed" mine from several old 620 cameras in my collection.) You have to force the 120 film into the Adapta-a-roll...it WILL go...and I put a piece of masking tape on the ends of the spools and punch a tiny hole in the center to give the 120 film a bit of back tension and prevent it from "flopping around". Fred.

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I guess I'll order some 620 film from J&C with the money for the adapters. Thanks

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I'm hoping it comes with at least one take up spool. OTOH the 620 B&W film from J&C is I think less then $2 more then the 120 version. Small stuff like spools usually aren't that great for me from Ebay. Once you factor in the shipping it'll be cheaper for me to add a couple of rolls of 620 film to an order from J&C. I will keep my eyes out. I wasn't even thinking of getting this before I noticed it late last night.
Thanks

TimKean · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 24 Location: Missouri

FWIW the 620 from J&C is "resized" 120. I'm not exactly sure how they do it, but I decided it wasnt' worth the risk and ordered the 120 and respooled it.

paxety · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 69 Location: Florida

Go to the flea market or thrift store. There are frequently old Brownies, etc. *******, and these frequently have a spool - or even film - inside.

I've seen the whole camera as cheap as a quarter.
j.e. simmons

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I think they cut down film from large spools. That way they can provide whatever format is needed. I'm assuming that is how they'll be doing the 116 and not just using 70mm film. Really it's no different then how any of the film makers do it.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I'll drop them a note and ask. But they're closed for the next month while they move. It sounds like they are also making the spool shorter?

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

It would be nice if they worked. Some body bought 6 empty spools for close to $20 when you include shipping. That would buy four rolls with film-)

FixerFiend · Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 42 Location: Washington D.C.

I've tried the 620 film from J&C. The problem is the spools that they use are soft plastic which allows the pins in the adapt a roll to just spin so the frame counter doesn't work. Also due to the way the film is rewound, its so loose that you need 3 hands to thread it through the adapt a roll. If you don't keep the film tight it will unravel and expose while trying to load it. clnfrd's idea of using 120 works fine as long as you tape the ends of the 120 spool.

_________________
BTM

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

I picked up a Kodak 1a and the seller gave me some 620 spools. So I guess that solves my problem. Of course I now have a new problem. Figuring out the 1a-))

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

The back came and it included two spools. Once I figured out how to feed it I had no problem with Agfa 120 B&W. Wasted a roll of film figuring out loading and generally spent awhile wondering which end was up. Seems the film must be TIGHT for the film counter to work.