Bulk loading 135 film

Bulk loading has advantages, not least regarding cost and the freedom of selecting any length of film, but it can be problematic. Daylight bulk loaders are sometimes difficult to load with bulk film. Scratches on the film loaded into canisters are not unusual, and the bulk loader may jam the film during the loading of film canisters. 

​However, there is an alternative. This punch tool makes it easy to attach the film to the spool of a reloadable canister without tape, which often is stuck on something else than intended. 


 


With some training, it can be used even within a darkroom changing bag. Once the film is attached to the canister's spool, film can be loaded into the canister in the changing bag with the help of a small plastic crank handle. About 30 turns give a 30 exposures film. The crank handle can be replaced by a small wooden stick or something similar.



Added 21/06/2026 08:54

In this discussion on bulk loading in Photrio, a cheaper alternative to the punch tool is suggested: a paper hole punch. 

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