Need a good 35mm film picker

[nbagno]

I have a Matin picker, it laster about 20 rolls. I’m in search of someting better and looking for suggestions? They all seem pretty much the same.

Thanks

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I have a Matin picker, it laster about 20 rolls. I’m in search of someting better and looking for suggestions? They all seem pretty much the same.

Thanks

one trick, I heard about but never tried because my camera stops rewinding just short of pulling the film into the can was to take a short strip of unexposed film, lick one side of the emulsion side, and feed it into the canister. The moistened emulsion will stick to the film tab inside and one can pull out the film. Again, I've never tried it and don't know how healthy that emulsion lick is over time, but it may work in a pinch.

 

[mshchem]

I have one of these I picked up when my friend Roger Christian closed his shop.

Film Puller Unit (Bero Magic Style) - CROWN | Australian Photo Supplies

australianphotosupplies.com.au

 

[mshchem]

I use a cassette opening tool in the darkroom.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I was going to suggest one of the little metal ones but I guess they don't make them anymore. They were ubiquitous back in the day since they only cost a buck or two and almost always worked. Surprised frankly that there is almost no choice anymore. I still have one of the little metal ones and an Ilford branded one that is similar to the one you have which I use if the little metal one fails.

If your Matin retriever keeps breaking you might be too rough on it. Try one of the Kaiser ones. I kind of wish I hadn't given away a few of mine over the years. I had a Kodak one as well that was the same as the Ilford. Maybe keep your eye open for an Ilford or Kodak branded one on ebay.

 

[Bill Burk]

Look on eBay for this: "AP Film Cassette Opener - Bench / Wall mounted film cassette opener"
It'll make quick work of the most stubborn cassettes. You'll feel like a butcher because it's so merciless.

 

[ntenny]

one trick, I heard about but never tried because my camera stops rewinding just short of pulling the film into the can was to take a short strip of unexposed film, lick one side of the emulsion side, and feed it into the canister. The moistened emulsion will stick to the film tab inside and one can pull out the film. Again, I've never tried it and don't know how healthy that emulsion lick is over time, but it may work in a pinch.

I’ve done this successfully a few times, but I’ve also stood around in the darkroom licking my film over and over trying and failing. It’s worth a try, but I wouldn’t rely on it too much. I usually just pry the end of the canister off with a bottle opener in the dark.

-NT

 

[Sirius Glass]

I pull the cassette apart to get the film in the darkroom and load the tank.

 

[blee1996]

I have been using my Matin film leader retriever for many rolls over last 2 years, and it is still working fine. I never force anything, and do it gently. Occasionally a roll is really difficult, then I use the Ilford beer opener.

I also have the old style metal clip one, but never really liked that design. Matin works better for me.