Anyone Got Experience With Fomapan 35mm Bulk Loading

[ianbarber]

I have some HP5 bulk film in one of the Jessop / AP box loader and never had any issues.
I have just bought some FomaPan 35mm bulk film to try and the only other bulk loader I have is one of the Watson tear drop ones. I tried just 6 frames to test it but the film is heavily scratched.



I am not sure if this is the Watson bulk loader causing it or not.

Anyone have any experience with these loaders and FomaPan

 

[Harlequin565]

Is it on multiple rolls do you know?

I've had one bulk roll of Foma 100 and never had a problem. However I do get occasional scratches on the odd film here & there (not unique to Foma, happens on all films) which I put down to the reused can rather than the loader or the film.

 

[ianbarber]

This was on the first 6 frames form a new roll of film. It might have been because it was the first run out of the loader after inserting the new roll. Maybe I scratched it somehow as I was putting it through the slot and then closing the side casing.

I have one of these with some HP5 in and it been superb. I have been looking for another second hand one but can't fine one anywhere.

 

[StephenM]

I have a Watson, but haven't used it for decades. One way to scratch film with it is to forget to open the light trap after closing the outer cover. Opening it leaves a gap for the film to come out. I don't know if AP loaders work the same way.

 

[ianbarber]

I have a Watson, but haven't used it for decades. One way to scratch film with it is to forget to open the light trap after closing the outer cover. Opening it leaves a gap for the film to come out. I don't know if AP loaders work the same way.

Yea I can see how that would scratch the film. The AP ones are really nice compared to this Watson one.

 

[StephenM]

When I bought mine (1967) I don't think there were any alternatives.

I think Foma is said to be more easily scratched than (say) Ilford, which might be relevant.