Where can I buy black-and-white 127 film for an Imperial Satellite camera?
Asked 3/15/2014
2 views
2 answers
0
I was given an Imperial Satellite 127 camera and would like to start shooting with it. Since 127 film is much less common than 35mm or 120, I’m trying to find current black-and-white film options and would also like to know whether adapting other film sizes is practical. Are there still reliable sources for new 127 film, especially B&W? If not, is cutting down 120 film a workable option for a 127 camera like this, and are there any general tips for getting started?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
3
127 film can be purchased, in colour only, from Bluefire Labs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Price isn't bad... the 127 film is $9.89.
At this point they appear to be the only ones making 127 film in any format, so unless you want to pay substantial ebay prices for end of life film (which may take interesting shots), I don't see better options.
EDIT
As a thought... you can always do what Bluefire is doing if you're willing to cut in the dark. Basically, get your hands on the parts (perhaps by ordering colour film from Bluefire) and then get bulk B&W film from an Agfa (if you can) and cut it yourself. I've bulked rolled film before, it's pretty easy, but I've never cut it for size.
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — new 127 film is available, including black-and-white. Community answers mention Rera/Rerapan ISO 100 in 127, sold by retailers such as B&H Photo and Film Photography Project. Color 127 has also been available from Bluefire/Frugal Photographer.
If you want a longer-term solution, cutting down 120 film to 127 width is a common approach. According to the answers, some photographers slit 120 film themselves using a blade or a purpose-made cutter, and there are commercial/3D-printed tools for this. That can be a practical way to keep a 127 camera usable, especially if stock is limited.
Using expired 127 film from auction sites is possible, but results may be unpredictable.
For getting started: first confirm the camera is mechanically working, then try a fresh roll rather than expired film so you can separate camera issues from film issues. If you enjoy the camera and expect to use it often, learning to slit 120 film may be the most dependable option.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Can the Nikon D5100 emulate black-and-white film, and is Night Vision the right mode?
Is $20 reasonable for 120 black-and-white film processing with a contact sheet?
How can I develop black-and-white film at home?
What’s the best current method for making high-quality large black-and-white prints?
Best Epson Scan settings for black-and-white negatives on an Epson V600