Complete Guide to 70mm Film

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

I've published a new website devoted to 70mm film: www.shoot70mm.com

It's been a massive undertaking, but a real labor of love, and includes a history of the format, information on all cameras/backs that take 70mm, information on most common 70mm film stocks, instructions for loading, developing, and modifying backs, and information on new products from Mercury Works to make shooting, developing, and scanning 70mm much easier and more accessible.

With the huge surge in the popularity of analog photography, an entire generation (plus many in previous generations) are missing out on this format because information about it is so scarce. No central source of information for folks wanting to start shooting 70mm has existed until now (though there are some very helpful 70mm shooters in these forums). If you are curious about or have been wanting to start shooting 70mm, but haven't known where to start, this site is for you. If you are just interested in the history of the format, this site is for you. If you are a 70mm shooter looking to optimize or upgrade your workflow, this site is for you.

Also, I'd appreciate any feedback, including corrections, comments, and suggested additions! This is basically the "official" thread for the site, and I welcome all feedback! I don't generally post much to forums, but will be watching and replying to this thread.

Steven Lee · May 5, 2023

Congrats! And thank you for adding value to the Internet. Funny how people always mention Hasselblads on the moon, and almost always they forget to mention that those were 70mm Hasselblads.

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

Steven Lee said:
Congrats! And thank you for adding value to the Internet. Funny how people always mention Hasselblads on the moon, and almost always they forget to mention that those were 70mm Hasselblads.

Yes, so true! 70mm was such an important professional format, but a lack of information has hampered its adoption by amateurs. I hope this site changes that to some small degree. Who wouldn't want to shoot the format that captured the most significant photos of the 20th century?

ant! · May 5, 2023

Our Firewall blocks the site (have to try when I am in a different network), but Firefox tells me the link above isn't encrypted. When using https:// in front of the link, the firewall still blocks it, but Firefox shows TLS encryption, but no authority. So I guess it is a self-signed certificate? You might want to try using a free one from Let's Encrypt, and enable forwarding to https from http.

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

ant! said:
TLS encryption

Yes, it is encrypted (though it wouldn't matter, as it is not asking users for any information). I've updated the link to the encrypted version. Not sure what company you are at or why any firewall would block the site, but I hope you'll have a chance to access it from a different network.

ant! · May 5, 2023

rhizomeblur said:
Yes, it is encrypted (though it wouldn't matter, as it is not asking users for any information). I've updated the link to the encrypted version. Not sure what company you are at or why any firewall would block the site, but I hope you'll have a chance to access it from a different network.

It's the provider's default firewall from Fortinet. Actually, I can get more information from the firewall, it says: "Newly Observed Domain - Domains that are newly configured or newly active, but not necessarily newly registered.". And actually, just googeling for that gives me https://community.fortinet.com/t5/F...bserved-Domain-Webfilter-category/ta-p/250697 . So seems like they scan now your page for any security problems and then whitelist it, and it should be accessible soon. But yeah, independently of this, Firefox gives me the "site not secure" message which takes two extra clicks to access the page "at own risk" (which is still blocked by the firewall...).

I think this stuff gets stricter in general. At home I run locally a server which is self-signed encrypted, and still have to go to the advanced "yes, really connect at own risk" step in the browser since I don't use a certificate signed by an "authority" like Let's Encrypt (which can't be used since it is not publically accessible)...

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

ant! said:
"Newly Observed Domain - Domains that are newly configured or newly active

Thanks for the additional info! If anyone else has a problem, it is because the site is newly launched. As you note, some firewalls might block new sites for some period of time before whitelisting. I just learned something new!

BAC1967 · May 5, 2023

116/616 film is also 70mm. A few years ago I purchased one of those 70mm cassettes (488) loaded with Panatomic-X. I re-loaded it onto a few 616 and 116 reels to use in my Kodak Monitor camera. I also use it in my Voigtländer 116 that I converted to a pinhole camera. For developing I have a 70mm stainless steel reel that fits in a standard stainless steel tank. I noticed that stainless reels are mentioned on the web site are too large for the standard size tank. Probably because the reel I have is for 116/616 film, a shorter length of film than you would need for the 15' of film in the 70mm cassettes.

MCB18 · May 5, 2023

A bit nit-picky, but I think on the Aviphot 200 section, it is worth noting that the film was made in both perforated and non-perforated lengths. There are 3 common lengths from what I can tell, 30.3 m (100 ft), 45.7 m (150 ft), and 85 m (275 ft). 30.3 m and 85 m are almost always perforated, while 45.7 almost never is. You can see this on the outer label, P is perforated, and NP is non-perforated.
(As a note, the masking tape seal is from me, as I have slit it down to 61.5mm. The can comes with a black electrical tape seal from Agfa.)

Also, the 45.7 m film comes on a flanged spool, similar to Kodak spools, but with a different hole in the middle.
Sorry for the bad lighting in the pictures, but I hope that the info helps!

reddesert · May 5, 2023

Zach, thanks for putting this together. I haven't read through all of the site yet, but already I've seen a lot of useful information.

I have some of the necessary equipment, and film, and a couple of questions about 70mm developing reels. I can put together the Paterson reel kludge, but I'm interested in the NDT 70mm plastic reels. My questions are:

- How big are these reels, specifically the outer diameter (ie what diameter tank/drum is needed)?
- Do they load like a steel reel from the inside out (it doesn't look like a Paterson reel with pivoting halves)?
- Does anyone have a good supplier to order a few reels from? When I've looked in the past, the reels are relatively inexpensive, but the industrial suppliers either have a large minimum order $ or extremely expensive shipping.

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

BAC1967 said:
116/616 film is also 70mm. A few years ago I purchased one of those 70mm cassettes (488) loaded with Panatomic-X. I re-loaded it onto a few 616 and 116 reels to use in my Kodak Monitor camera. I also use it in my Voigtländer 116 that I converted to a pinhole camera. For developing I have a 70mm stainless steel reel that fits in a standard stainless steel tank. I noticed that stainless reels are mentioned on the web site are too large for the standard size tank. Probably because the reel I have is for 116/616 film, a shorter length of film than you would need for the 15' of film in the 70mm cassettes.

Yes! Thanks for bringing this up. I would like to add info to the site about 116 and 616 formats. I don't shoot them myself. Would you (or anyone else here) be willing to take a couple of photos (preferably against a white background) of any of the following for use on the site (to be credited to you, of course)?

- 116 spool
- 616 spool
- developing reel/spiral

I'd also love to know what length of film that spiral can handle!

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

MCB18 said:
on the Aviphot 200 section, it is worth noting that the film was made in both perforated and non-perforated lengths. There are 3 common lengths from what I can tell, 30.3 m (100 ft), 45.7 m (150 ft), and 85 m (275 ft). 30.3 m and 85 m are almost always perforated, while 45.7 almost never is.

Thanks for this comment! I hadn't thought to discuss the various lengths of this film, but agree that this is useful info. I've updated the site to mention the three lengths and their usual perforation status.

MCB18 · May 5, 2023

reddesert said:
Zach, thanks for putting this together. I haven't read through all of the site yet, but already I've seen a lot of useful information.

I have some of the necessary equipment, and film, and a couple of questions about 70mm developing reels. I can put together the Paterson reel kludge, but I'm interested in the NDT 70mm plastic reels. My questions are:

- How big are these reels, specifically the outer diameter (ie what diameter tank/drum is needed)?
- Do they load like a steel reel from the inside out (it doesn't look like a Paterson reel with pivoting halves)?
- Does anyone have a good supplier to order a few reels from? When I've looked in the past, the reels are relatively inexpensive, but the industrial suppliers either have a large minimum order $ or extremely expensive shipping.

-The reels are about 6.5 inches in diameter, and about 3 inches tall.
-No, they load outside in, like a Patterson reel, however they do not have a ratchet.
-you can get them individually from here:

70mm developing reel - Hocker Incorporated

A reliable developing reel made of durable ABS plastic, designed for the developing of 70mm roll Film. 90mm, 100mm, and 4.5" developing reels are also available. Each reel requires two wheels and one hub and will hold up to 13 feet of roll Film.

www.hockerinc.com

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

reddesert said:
Zach, thanks for putting this together. I haven't read through all of the site yet, but already I've seen a lot of useful information.

I have some of the necessary equipment, and film, and a couple of questions about 70mm developing reels. I can put together the Paterson reel kludge, but I'm interested in the NDT 70mm plastic reels. My questions are:

- How big are these reels, specifically the outer diameter (ie what diameter tank/drum is needed)?
- Do they load like a steel reel from the inside out (it doesn't look like a Paterson reel with pivoting halves)?
- Does anyone have a good supplier to order a few reels from? When I've looked in the past, the reels are relatively inexpensive, but the industrial suppliers either have a large minimum order $ or extremely expensive shipping.

Thanks! I'm glad you're finding it useful!

The NDT reel is, at its widest point, 162mm in diameter. It does indeed load from the inside out. Its core column includes a clip to attach the end of your film.

EDIT: I've added this info, and a second photo of the reel to show the film clip, to the site.

The reel holds 13ft of film total.

You can order these straight from NDT. The minimum quantity is 1, but I haven't checked regarding minimum order $.

Mr Bill · May 5, 2023

Hi, from a strictly historical standpoint the specialized long-roll portrait cameras were probably the biggest users of 70mm film, at least in the US. If you're using the internet as your main source of info, it seems to be pretty much lacking in this respect.

I've made a handful of posts about the use of these cameras. See the following link, along with a couple other links within that post. https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/any-former-processing-lab-people-out-there.175798/page-3

Personally I sorta see trying to use 70mm film today as something of an uphill battle. The infrastructure that once existed is nearly nonexistent and I sorta doubt there is enough demand for film manufacturers to even bother producing it.

ant! · May 5, 2023

I finally managed to read a bit through the site from a different network. Interesting stuff, even though I doubt I'll ever use it...
One camera back I see missing is the Pentax 645: https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/pentax-645-film-magazine-70mm-film.html

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

Mr Bill said:
Hi, from a strictly historical standpoint the specialized long-roll portrait cameras were probably the biggest users of 70mm film, at least in the US. If you're using the internet as your main source of info, it seems to be pretty much lacking in this respect.

I've made a handful of posts about the use of these cameras. See the following link, along with a couple other links within that post. https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/any-former-processing-lab-people-out-there.175798/page-3

Personally I sorta see trying to use 70mm film today as something of an uphill battle. The infrastructure that once existed is nearly nonexistent and I sorta doubt there is enough demand for film manufacturers to even bother producing it.

Thanks so much for your reply! It's great to have a lab perspective. The historical information in your thread is really fascinating!

Indeed, I hope you feel that this site corrects the lack of historical context available online regarding 70mm. If you think that more info should be included about long roll portraiture, please let me know! Also, since the site primarily deals with Portronic cameras in that regards, I'd be interested in photos and info about CameraZ products if anyone wishes to provide them!

It's true that the large-scale infrastructure for aerial and long roll portraiture is gone, but "regular" shooters of today don't need any of that. With the right info and equipment (both of which I hope the site fully provides) I think that it is significantly easier, faster, and cheaper to shoot and develop 70mm than it is to do the same with 120.

mshchem · May 5, 2023

I went nuts a few years ago. I have a 70mm bulk film loader. Works like any daylight loader. I have the Nikor reel and a tank, the tank doesn't allow for daylight filling, I just develop in the dark.

I have an ex military Nikor Developing machine that I use to load the reel. Works great reel loads from the center out. I use my IR goggles ez as can be. The machine (stand) has provision for a motor, designed to spin dry the film on the reel. This machine was used for movie film 16 and 35 for sure.

I think I have about 10 100' rolls of Plus-X aerial film. Most of the old Hasselblad backs have light leaks, I have a couple that are OK.

I would walk around playing Neil Armstrong, zone focusing, and shooting electric from the waist. Armstrong carried the camera on the surface, there was another inside the LM. Apollo 11 was a Spartan mission, get there, grab some rocks, a couple pictures, Waste unbelievably valuable time talking to Richard Nixon, plant the flag and come home

How no one got killed after the Apollo 1 fire is nothing short of a miracle.

GO 70MM!!!

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

ant! said:
I finally managed to read a bit through the site from a different network. Interesting stuff, even though I doubt I'll ever use it...
One camera back I see missing is the Pentax 645: https://www.pentaxforums.com/accessoryreviews/pentax-645-film-magazine-70mm-film.html

Thanks! You're right; I've now added a mention of the (rare) Pentax 645 back.

rhizomeblur · May 5, 2023

mshchem said:
I went nuts a few years ago. I have a 70mm bulk film loader. Works like any daylight loader. I have the Nikor reel and a tank, the tank doesn't allow for daylight filling, I just develop in the dark.

I have an ex military Nikor Developing machine that I use to load the reel. Works great reel loads from the center out. I use my IR goggles ez as can be. The machine (stand) has provision for a motor, designed to spin dry the film on the reel. This machine was used for movie film 16 and 35 for sure.

I think I have about 10 100' rolls of Plus-X aerial film. Most of the old Hasselblad backs have light leaks, I have a couple that are OK.

I would walk around playing Neil Armstrong, zone focusing, and shooting electric from the waist. Armstrong carried the camera on the surface, there was another inside the LM. Apollo 11 was a Spartan mission, get there, grab some rocks, a couple pictures, Waste unbelievably valuable time talking to Richard Nixon, plant the flag and come home

How no one got killed after the Apollo 1 fire is nothing short of a miracle.

GO 70MM!!!

It sounds like you have a fantastic loading and developing setup! And as I note on the site, Plus-X Aerographic is really excellent film.

I'll echo you: GO 70MM!

MCB18 · May 5, 2023

mshchem said:
think I have about 10 100' rolls of Plus-X aerial film.

Lucky. I have heard it’s good stuff. I would love to get some, but sadly it all seems to be perforated, so for my use case (slitting to 120), it isn’t useful. Maybe one day I’ll get a 70mm back for my RB, and get a plastic 70mm dev reel and process it in the dark.

blee1996 · May 6, 2023

Hi @rhizomeblur thanks a lot for putting all the 70mm information in one site. It has been really difficult to find all the relevant information.

I find it is quite easy to use 70mm, once I get the right camera + back combo. The development and scanning is a bit more complicated, so right now I tend to simplify it into this procedure:

1) Load and shoot as normal, but only up to 220 length
2) Once reach 220 length, go into a complete dark room, slice 70mm into 120/220 width
3) Load sliced film to 220 reel and develop in normal Paterson tank
4) Scan like 120/220 and store in 120/220 sleeves

In addition, I recently got an old military camera that uses 70mm film: J.A. Maurer P-2 camera. I bought it mostly for the lens, a Schneider Xenotar 80/2.8. It uses electronic controls for shutter and aperture, which I have not been able to find anywhere. A few photos for your entertainment, and I'm happy to supply more photos for inclusion on your website.

Alex Varas · May 6, 2023

I’m fan of this format, I have had 3 616 cameras and still I own one Super Ikonta 530/15.
I have still few HP5+ and loads of TriX of this format.

Alex Varas · May 6, 2023

BAC1967 said:
116/616 film is also 70mm. A few years ago I purchased one of those 70mm cassettes (488) loaded with Panatomic-X. I re-loaded it onto a few 616 and 116 reels to use in my Kodak Monitor camera. I also use it in my Voigtländer 116 that I converted to a pinhole camera. For developing I have a 70mm stainless steel reel that fits in a standard stainless steel tank. I noticed that stainless reels are mentioned on the web site are too large for the standard size tank. Probably because the reel I have is for 116/616 film, a shorter length of film than you would need for the 15' of film in the 70mm cassettes.

I would love having that metal reel and tank for my 70mm film but I haven’t been lucky so far

BAC1967 · May 6, 2023

Alex Varas said:
I would love having that metal reel and tank for my 70mm film but I haven’t been lucky so far

I got lucky and found it at a thrift shop. They do seem to be quite rare.

Complete Guide to 70mm Film

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