Hi,

I'm starting into medium format photography and own a Holga 120 camera and also an old Zeiss Nettar. Both take 120 film. I do my own processing and use the plastic tanks and reels. The question I have is this : can my existing 35mm plastic reel take 120 film? If so, then how? I remember while I was in school we were shown that, but unfortunately I wasn't there that day. :)

Also, while we're on the subject, what's the difference between 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7? I know each one is bigger, and that different cameras yield different neg sizes. I have an old Omega B22 that needs an enlarging lens....I know 50mm is the standard....but for these negs would I need a larger lens?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Erin C.

-- Erin C. (ericon_22@hotmail.com), July 04, 2000

Answers

Some plastic reels, such as Patterson, are designed to be used with both 35 mm and 120 film. I don't know whether yours is or not. Try twisting the top and bottom of the reel in counter rotation against each other. If they move and come apart then the reel probably is designed for both types of film. If the reel is fixed at the 35 mm width then obviously it can't be used for 120.

You need a larger lens for medium format films. I use a 100 mm lens on my 6x7 negatives. I believe most people use 80 mm for 645 or 6x6.

-- Brian Ellis (bellis@tampabay.rr.com), July 08, 2000.