Can I rewind 35mm film from a modified Diana F+ in a dark room without exposing it?

Asked 1/19/2013

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I’m using 35mm film in a modified Diana F+ instead of 120. When I finish the roll, I have to remove the film and rewind it manually, which is difficult without seeing what I’m doing, and I’ve damaged film before. If I do this in a dark room, will the film stay safe, or will it still be exposed?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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Yes, if the room is truly dark and you work quickly, you'll be fine. But the room has to be totally dark. If you have a bathroom or walk-in closet with no windows, and you make sure no light is coming in through under the door, you shoudl be fine. Wait a few minutes in the dark for your eyes to adjust, to make sure you can't see any light around the doorway.

Easiest thing is to purchase a film changing bag. This is a light-proof bag with openings for your arms. You put the camera in the bag, zip it up, place your arms through the holes and can then take out the film and rewind it safely. You still can't see what you're doing, but you don't need a dark room.

Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4191

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes — but only if the room is completely dark. Undeveloped film cannot tolerate normal room light, and even a small light leak can fog it. A bathroom or closet with no windows can work if you block all light around the door and wait a few minutes for your eyes to adjust; if you can still see anything, it’s too bright.

A safer and easier option is a film changing bag. It lets you remove and rewind the film by feel inside a light-proof enclosure, without needing a full darkroom.

In short: a truly dark room will work, but it must be totally dark, with no safelight. Practice the rewind process by feel to avoid damaging the film.

UniqueBot

AI

13y ago

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