Kodak Camera

[Barney]

I have been looking at some of the old Kodak MF camera's and a stumbling block to purchasing has been the requirement for 620 film. Has anyone managed to overcome this hurdle?

 

[zx9]

I have been looking at some of the old Kodak MF camera's and a stumbling block to purchasing has been the requirement for 620 film. Has anyone managed to overcome this hurdle?

I know of people on another forum that had 3D printed 620 to 120 film spool adapters made, as far as I know it was in part successful though the adapters did eventually fail due to layer adhesion, printing in a different orientation or with different filament may have overcome the problem.

 

[jonjenkins]

620 Film

Shop at Analogue Wonderland for the best 620 film in colour and B&W. View our collection of 620 roll film and take-up spools. Shop 620 Film Now!

analoguewonderland.co.uk

 

[Kevin Allan]

I have on a few occasions trimmed down 120 spools using strong nail clippers. However the last camera I tried this with, the fit of the spool was too tight.

Modifying 120 film for a 620 camera

You probably know that 620 film is a format made by Kodak and discontinued in 1995. The film itself is exactly the same as 120 film, but the core of the spool is narrow and so are the spool ends. B…

kevinthephotographer.wordpress.com

 

[David_Mug]

I just rewind 120 on to 620 spools.

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

There are two differences between 620 and 120 films and both are to do with the spool ends.

The first and most obvious difference is the diameter of the spool end disks. As has been pointed out above, it isn't too hard to cut them down. The second problem, also mentioned above, is the thickness of the end disks,

Some cameras have more generous spacing between the supports than others. If you aren't that lucky you'll need some way to reduce the thickness of the disks. Given a flat grind stone and patience, you may be able to get something that works. However, the more modern spools tend to be made of relatively soft plastic, so you have to avoid grinding the disk(s) down too much. If you make the disks too thin, they may collapse under the pressure of your winding the film.

 

[Barney]

Has anyone got actual dimensions of a real 620 spool?

I have plenty old 120 spools and will chuck one in the lathe to see how easy it is to knock it to size.

Diameter
top of spool thickness, preferably micrometer reading
overall length

Thanks all for feedback, it doesnt sound a big job

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

Wayne, if you tap "620 Film" into Ebay you will find 620 spools for sale, as well as 620 film.

 

[StephenM]

620 Film

620 film can be had by converting 120 film to the 620 format. It is an easy thing to do once you know how and all is explained on this page.

flynngraphics.ca

620 Film

Three decades after Kodak discontinued production of 620 film, the Film Photography Project made a commitment to 620 film shooters by first producing brand new 620 spools, then manufacturing new 620 Color and BW film for your vintage cameras. The 620 format was introduced by Kodak in 1931 as an...

filmphotographystore.com

 

[Barney]

Thanks to all for helping and providing all the info that I need !

Just need to research Kodak lenses now as I have not previously considered them due to the format, surely Kodak must have made some excellent glass.

 

[StephenM]

They did. Rudolf Kingslake worked for them. Lenses from the era when he was in charge of QA are almost legendary. If you don't know the name, look him up. His books are all well worth reading.

 

[Barney]

They did. Rudolf Kingslake worked for them. Lenses from the era when he was in charge of QA are almost legendary. If you don't know the name, look him up. His books are all well worth reading.

Those Medalist's look incredible cameras.