Can you still buy and process 126 film for a Kodak Instamatic 500?
Asked 11/7/2011
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I have a vintage Kodak Instamatic 500 that uses 126 cartridge film. Is 126 film still available anywhere, and if not, are there practical alternatives for shooting with this camera? I’d also like to know how film from it can be developed and printed.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Unfortunately 126 film is no longer made, and even the stocks that were held on to after production ended have for the most part dried up. The good news is that you have another option, and that is to reload the 126 film cartridges with 35mm film. The 126 film was after all, just 35mm film in a more convenient roll that didn't require film leaders or rewinding after use. The process has a few steps, but isn't overly complicated for the aspiring photographer.
The basic idea is to use an empty cartridge, with either regular 35mm film, or unperforated film if you prefer to not see the sprocket holes. Use this film to reload into the cartridge, preferably a 24exp roll so you do not overfill the 126 cartridge. You have to do this in a light tight bag or dark room so you do not expose the film.
Some guides can be found here:
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
14y ago
0
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126 film is effectively discontinued, so finding fresh stock is unlikely. You may occasionally see old cartridges sold secondhand, but expired film can be unreliable.
A practical alternative is to reload an empty 126 cartridge with 35mm film. 126 film was essentially 35mm film packaged in a cartridge, so this can work if you load it in complete darkness (changing bag or darkroom). A shorter 24-exposure roll is usually preferred to avoid overfilling. Some people use unperforated film to avoid sprocket holes appearing in the image area.
For processing, the film can generally be developed with standard C-41 processing if you use color negative film. Printing may be trickier because 126 images are square, so not every lab will handle printing neatly from this format. You may need a lab familiar with older formats, or have the film developed and then scan or crop/print the images yourself.
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