A “How To” on Using Cut-Down 120 Film in a 127 Camera That Has a Red Window and Makes 4x3cm or 4x6cm Images - by Luke Taylor

This article shows a way to use 120 film that has been cut down using the technique that directly transfers the full length of 120 (film and backing paper) straight to a 127 spool for use in 4x3cm and 4x6cm 127 film cameras that use one (4x6cm) or two (4x3cm) red windows for frame alignment. While the 4cm frame spacing of a 4x4cm camera can use the same frame numbers printed on the 120 backing paper (16 frames), there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to use cut film in the 4x3 or 4x6 cameras. Here is a method that may be worthwhile. 

With this technique we will only align the first frame using the red window. After that we will blindly rotate the advance knob a predetermined number of degrees for each frame. The number of degrees rotated will be different for each frame. This is because as more film accumulates on the takeup spool, the bigger diameter it will get, and less rotation required to get the same amount of linear film movement. 

To aid in rotating the advance knob with a fair amount of precision and no tools we will need to do the following. 

1. Put a sticker on the advance knob. 

2. Draw a line that cuts it in half and repeat until 8 equal segments have been formed. 

3. When spooling the film, mark the paper where the film element starts.

4. Load the camera with the cut and respooled film and advance until you see the mark made earlier in the red window. Then, using good judgment, advance an amount more that will position the film element for the first shot. This is the last time you will use the red window. 

5. Use the chart below to advance the film for each frame.  You will rotate the advance knob by the “Fullturn” amount followed by the “Segment “ amount. 

Table for 4x6cm frames:

Frame     FullTurns     Segments 

1-2               2                 4.5

2-3               2                 2.5

3-4               2                 0.5

4-5               1                 7.5

5-6               1                 6.5

6-7               1                 5.5

7-8               1                 5.0

8-9               1                 4.0

9-10              1                 4.0

10-11             1                 3.0    

For example, to advance from frame 2 to frame 3, rotate the knob 2 full turns plus 2.5 segments.

I currently have not tried this in a 4x3cm camera yet, but I assume you could simply divide the “Fullturn” and “Segment” numbers in half. If you try it out, please share the results!

- Luke Taylor

Community question: Cutting down 120 film to 127 size - what size, exactly?

I'm delighted to share 127 Film Photography's first community question.

As noted on the Submit to 127 Film Photography page, 127 Film Photography welcomes readers' questions. All readers are invited to offer responses to the questions that are posted - let's work together as a community!

From Alessandro Lisci:

I have a question that I have not yet resolved, about the size to which I should cut 120 film. In the videos and  articles I've seen, it seems to me that the 120 film is cut to the exact size of the 127 film spool. But the original 127 film is slightly smaller than 127 backing paper (a difference on the order of 1-2mm). Doing a test with the only developing tank in my possession that has a spiral (reel) for 127 film, I realized that the measure is almost exact, and a film even slightly larger would give me problems in loading the spiral. I wonder if it's a general problem, or it's my tank that has a minimal tolerance.

- Translated by Google Translate, with editing by J. M. Golding

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Io ho un dubbio che non ho ancora risolto, a proposito della grandezza in cui tagliare il film 120. Riguarda questo: Nei filmati e negli articoli che ho visto, mi sembra che il film 120 venga tagliato alla grandezza esatta del film-spool del 127. Però  il film 127 originale, è leggermente più piccolo della carta che lo protegge dalla luce (una differenza nell'ordine di 1-2mm). Facendo una prova con l'unica tank di sviluppo in mio possesso che abbia una spirale per il film 127, mi sono accorto che la misura è praticamente esatta, e un film anche leggermente più grande mi darebbe problemi nel caricamento della spirale. Mi chiedo se sia un problema generale, o la mia tank che ha una tolleranza minima.

Here is the method I use to cut 120 film down for use in 127 cameras - by Luke Taylor

I am offering a 3D printed cutting device on eBay (blue and yellow thing in the pictures) but any method to cut the roll will work.  My first device was nothing more than a shallow hole cut into a block and a utility knife blade screwed to the block.  The device has a recess in the yellow part to contain the end of the roll while the blue arm that houses a razor blade is lowered into the film.  Here are step by step instructions on how to use it.

With great care, it is possible to do steps 1 through 6 in subdued light.

Step 1: If you want to use the film in a 4x4cm camera that shows the film’s frame numbers in a red window, pay close attention to the roll orientation in the picture. This will preserve the 4cm frame numbers.  (The backing paper on 120 film has frame numbers for both 4 cm and 6 cm images; we want to use the 4cm frame numbers for 127 format). If you do not plan to use the film in a 4x4 camera that has a red window then it does not matter which end of the roll is cut off.

Step 2:  This picture shows the film roll in the recess hole in the yellow side of the cutter.  It is important to keep pressure on the roll as it is rotated to keep it bottomed out in this hole.  This will ensure the cut is even and at the correct depth.  It is also important that the rotation of the film is such that the drag of the blade is “tightening” the rolled film on the spool.  The picture shows this direction with a red arrow. 

Step 3: Rotate the film with one hand and apply moderate pressure downward on the blue cutter arm with the other.  Continue until the blade has cut through all of the film and backing paper.  You will notice the drag of the blade will increase when it contacts the plastic spool.  Do not attempt to cut off the spool; only the film and backing paper are to be cut.

Step 4 & 5:  Unspool a length of the backing paper until the “Start” marking is seen.  Be careful not to unspool too much paper - that will expose the film to light.  I use a big metal binder clip (as seen in Picture 5) to hold the remaining film on the spool while I prepare to cut off the excess paper.  Fold the backing paper in half lengthwise and make a diagonal cut.  This technique will ensure a very symmetrical “V” in the paper.  Bottoming out this “V” in the 127-spool slot will perfectly center the paper in the spool.  I would not attempt to cut any shape by “eye” because it won’t be centered well and will cause difficulty when loading to 127 spool.  The length is not very critical.  We are just trying to remove the excess amount so the completed spool diameter will not be too big.

Step 6: You can get the paper started on the 127 spool and clip it as well to prepare it for the transfer steps.

The remaining steps must be done in a darkroom or changing bag.

Step 7 & 8: In complete darkness roll the backing paper tightly onto the 127 spool until you feel the tape on the start of the film.  Carefully peel the tape off and save it (I just stick it to the back of my other hand).*

Step 9:  Carefully tuck the film into the partially rolled backing paper and continue to roll the film and backing paper onto the 127 spool.

Step 10 & 11:  While transferring be sure to allow slack between the 120 and 127 spool for the film and backing paper.  Because the 120 and 127 spools are different diameters, a buildup of excess film will happen.  I have been successful with letting go of the 120 spool once the 127 has a decent amount of material on it.  It may also be necessary to “tighten” the film on the 127 spool as you go to ensure it is fully seated on the new, smaller diameter spool.

Step 12:  When you’ve rolled to the end of the film, tape the film to the backing paper using the tape we saved from the beginning (Step 8).  This is also the time to mark the backing paper to indicate where the film is starting.  I use little stickers for this.

I am hoping this article will encourage more people to shoot images for the next 127 Day. 

*Note about Lomography film: I have found the tape they use to be INSANELY sticky. This has caused a lot of frustration when transferring the tape, FYI. 

- Luke Taylor