Dwight D. Eisenhower <rottedHonda@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
> 4. The old "open spool" type standard/double 8- how did they load/
> unload the cameras, so that the film wasn't exposed to ambient
> sunlight, etc. and the images ruined, or the virgin film ruined,
> during the process ? i.e. how were the "daylight spools" used ?
>
> thanks all in advance
Twenty five foot spools had a cardboard band around the film, this was
used as an address label when returning it, it also enabled a degree of
light tightness when the film canister was opened.
To load a 25 ft (50 ft after turning, developing, and splitting) you
would go to a shady place, open the camera, then the canister, remove
cardboard band and load the film into the camera. This normally involved
putting the full spool on the spindle, feeding film into either a take
up mechanism (which would pull the film through to the take up spool,
for you to attach) or manually threading it through the mechanism,
attaching to take up spool, and closing gate and camera door.
After the first half was exposed, you'd find a shady place, the film
spool would be removed from the take up position, flipped over and
placed on the feed spool, that spool being put on the take up spindle.
Feed through, etc, shoot other half.
When the film was completely exposed, you'd unload it in a shady place,
keeping the film tight on the spool, put the cardboard band on it. Put
it in its canister, envelope, and post it to the film company. With
practice you wouldn't lose more than 1-2 feet of film to daylight, if
that.
Twenty five foot spools were overlength to allow for the loss of film at
each end. Hundred foot spools were about the same.
There was a time I could do this blind, inside a blackout bag (zipped
compartment with two light tight tubes you put your arms through. Also
known as Granny's knickers.)
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