How can I reduce curl when loading old 110 film onto a developing reel?
Asked 7/13/2016
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I’m home-developing old Fuji 200 ISO 110 C-41 film and the film is extremely tightly curled. When I tried to load one exposed cassette onto a reel, it kept jumping out of the track and eventually tore in several places. Is there a practical way to soften or relax old 110 film before loading, or is a different reel/tank the better solution?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
6
Most roll film is constructed using CTA (Cellulous Triacetate) which has little curl memory. Some films are constructed using PET (polyester). PET has strong curl memory however it is difficult to initiate a tear with PET. This makes it ideal for high speed machine developing and automated printing as these machine handle hundreds of films splice together under tension. High speed photofinishing was the idea behind 126, 110 and the Advanced Photo System (APS).
Your best bet is to send the films off for process by a lab that handles theses films with a continuous film process.
If this is not practical, try soaking the film in a distilled water bath. Dry the film by hanging with a weight. All this must be done in total darkness. That will not be easy. If this fails to take out the curl, add a few drops of glycerin to the water bath.
Best of luck!
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Old 110 film can be very difficult to load because of strong curl, especially with small-format cartridges designed for machine processing. The most reliable solution from the community answers is to use equipment made for this format rather than trying to force it onto a modified Paterson-style reel.
One answer notes that these films were intended for continuous lab processing, so sending them to a lab that handles 110 may be the safest option.
If you must do it at home, one suggested approach is a distilled-water soak, then hang the film with a small weight to help relax the curl. This must be done in total darkness, which makes it awkward and risky.
The most practical home solution reported was switching to a Yankee Clipper II tank/reel, which handled equally curled 110 film much more easily than a Paterson reel hack.
So: best option, use a lab; best DIY option, use the proper 110-compatible tank/reel; only try pre-soaking/rehanging if you fully understand the handling risks in complete darkness.
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