Yes, you can load standard 120 film onto a 620 spool, allowing you to use vintage cameras that rely on this now-discontinued format. This process, while requiring patience and attention to detail, opens a world of photographic possibilities for enthusiasts of classic equipment.
The Allure of 620 Film and the Resurgence of Vintage Cameras
The 620 film format, a medium format standard briefly popular in the mid-20th century, differs from 120 film primarily in the spool design. While the actual film width is identical, the 620 spool has a thinner flange, allowing it to fit into cameras designed with tighter tolerances. Manufacturers like Kodak favored 620, particularly in cameras aimed at the consumer market. While 620 film is no longer manufactured, the appeal of vintage cameras that use this format persists. Photographers are drawn to their unique aesthetics, historical significance, and the tactile experience of shooting with classic equipment. This interest has led to a resurgence of techniques for adapting readily available 120 film to fit these cameras, ensuring their continued usability.
Understanding the Challenges and Rewards
The principal challenge in using 120 film in a 620 camera lies in the difference in spool dimensions. 120 spools have larger flanges than 620 spools, preventing them from fitting directly into the camera’s film compartment. Successfully spooling 120 film onto a 620 spool overcomes this limitation, granting access to a wider range of film stocks and developing options than would be available if solely relying on potentially expired or prohibitively expensive 620 film that might be available. The reward is the ability to breathe new life into these historically significant cameras, capturing images with a distinct vintage charm.
The Method: Step-by-Step Guide to Spooling 120 Film
The process of spooling 120 film onto a 620 spool is surprisingly straightforward, though it requires careful execution to avoid damaging the film. Here’s a detailed guide:
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A roll of 120 film. Choose your preferred film stock.
- An empty 620 spool. These can be obtained online or by saving them from previously shot rolls of 620 film.
- A darkroom or a changing bag. This is absolutely essential to prevent light from exposing the film during the spooling process.
- Scissors or a sharp blade.
- Optional: Gloves (to prevent fingerprints on the film).
- Optional: Film leader tape
Setting Up Your Dark Space
The most crucial step is to create a light-tight environment. In a darkroom, ensure all light sources are extinguished. If using a changing bag, familiarize yourself with its operation before inserting the film and spool. A changing bag is essentially a lightproof bag with armholes that allow you to manipulate items inside without exposing them to light.
The Spooling Process: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the 620 Spool: Ensure the 620 spool is clean and free of any debris. Locate the film slot on the spool.
- Insert the 120 Film Leader: In complete darkness, carefully unroll a small portion of the 120 film leader (the beginning of the film) and insert it into the film slot on the 620 spool.
- Secure the Leader: Gently wind the 620 spool to secure the film leader. You may use a small piece of film leader tape to further secure it to the spool if desired.
- Wind the Film: Begin winding the 120 film onto the 620 spool. Maintain a consistent, gentle tension to ensure the film winds evenly and tightly. Avoid pulling too hard, as this could damage the film.
- Continue Winding: Continue winding the film until the entire roll of 120 film is transferred onto the 620 spool. Pay attention to ensure the film doesn’t overlap or bunch up on the spool.
- Securing the End: Once the entire roll is wound, secure the end of the film to the spool, if necessary, with film leader tape, and carefully remove the spooled film from the changing bag or darkroom.
- Load into Camera: The now-spooled film is ready to be loaded into your 620 camera. Proceed according to your camera’s instruction manual.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Even with careful execution, mistakes can happen. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Light Leaks: Light leaks indicate that the spooling process wasn’t performed in complete darkness. This ruins the film.
- Film Binding: Film binding occurs when the film is wound unevenly, causing it to stick or bunch up. If this happens, carefully rewind the film and try again, ensuring consistent tension.
- Damaged Film: Excessive force during winding can damage the film. Always handle the film gently.
Expanding Your Knowledge: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide deeper insight into the world of 620 film and its adaptation:
FAQ 1: Is it possible to modify a 120 spool to fit a 620 camera?
Yes, with careful filing or sanding, you can reduce the flange diameter of a 120 spool to approximate the dimensions of a 620 spool. However, this is a laborious process and risks damaging the spool or the camera. It’s generally recommended to respool the film onto a genuine 620 spool if possible, as it ensures a proper fit and avoids potential camera damage. This can be achieved using a spool adapter available for purchase.
FAQ 2: Can I use the original backing paper from the 120 film?
Absolutely. You must reuse the backing paper from the 120 film roll when spooling onto the 620 spool. The backing paper protects the film from light exposure and also contains frame markings necessary for determining when to advance the film. Be careful not to damage the paper during the respooling process.
FAQ 3: Where can I find empty 620 spools?
Empty 620 spools can be found online through photography forums, auction sites, and specialty camera stores. Also, any previously shot 620 film will have left you with an empty spool. It’s always a good idea to accumulate a few spares.
FAQ 4: What tools are recommended for respooling?
Besides the essentials (darkroom/changing bag, scissors), gloves are helpful to prevent fingerprints on the film. Film leader tape is also useful for securing the film to the spool. Some people use a small winding crank to help with the process, but it’s not strictly necessary.
FAQ 5: Does the type of 120 film matter for respooling?
No, the type of 120 film (black and white, color negative, slide film) does not affect the respooling process. The core principle remains the same: transferring the film from a 120 spool to a 620 spool in complete darkness.
FAQ 6: How do I know if my respooled film is correctly loaded in the camera?
Refer to your camera’s instruction manual for specific loading instructions. Generally, the film should be loaded so that the backing paper protects the film from light exposure and the frame markings are visible through the camera’s red window (if applicable).
FAQ 7: What happens if I accidentally expose the film to light during the respooling process?
Unfortunately, exposure to light will ruin the film. Light-struck film will have severe artifacts, streaks, or will be completely fogged. Always ensure a completely dark environment during the respooling process.
FAQ 8: Is it worth respooling 120 film onto 620 spools, or should I just find a 120 camera?
This depends on your preferences. If you have a 620 camera you particularly enjoy using, respooling is a viable option. Otherwise, investing in a camera that accepts 120 film directly might be more convenient in the long run.
FAQ 9: Can I reuse a 620 spool multiple times?
Yes, 620 spools can be reused indefinitely as long as they are not damaged. Inspect the spool for cracks or deformities before each use.
FAQ 10: Are there any specialized tools to aid in the respooling process?
While not strictly necessary, some photographers use a dedicated film winder or a small jig designed to hold the spools in alignment during the respooling process. These tools can make the process faster and more consistent.
FAQ 11: How does respooling impact the film’s longevity or quality?
If done correctly, respooling should not negatively impact the film’s longevity or image quality. However, improper handling can lead to scratches, fingerprints, or light leaks, which can compromise the final result.
FAQ 12: What are the alternatives to respooling 120 film for 620 cameras?
Beyond modifying 120 spools (with the risks involved), another alternative is to purchase pre-spooled 620 film from specialty suppliers who offer this service. However, this option is typically more expensive and may offer a limited selection of film stocks.
Conclusion: Embracing the Past, One Spool at a Time
Spooling 120 film onto 620 spools is a skill that connects modern photographers with the rich history of photography. By mastering this technique, you unlock a world of classic cameras and lenses, allowing you to explore a unique photographic aesthetic. With patience, practice, and a commitment to careful execution, you can breathe new life into these vintage treasures and capture images that resonate with the timeless beauty of analog photography. Remember always to ensure complete darkness to avoid ruining your film!