Reel or core

[superadio]

I am new to 16mm film. After shooting my first rolls of film, i was going to find reel for store it on. I discovered that 16mm reels are very expensive, and not to forget freight and customs here to Norway. I found out that its possible to use plastic cores and splitable reels. Is it a good idea to store films on cores instead of reels?

[Will2]

Everything depends on your camera.

If it accepts 100ft loads then Kodak and Fuji sell them on daylight spools that you can load in shade if you aren't Super 16. If your camera is Super 16 then I'd suggest loading in total darkness as the edges can fog a little.

If you have a 400ft magazine then it would come on a core that you load in total darkness.

The camera you have in your avatar photo I believe is a cartridge that you'd have to load yourself... if it is make sure you get a few of those cartridges and instruct the lab to return them with your film after processing.

[Mana]

Hey Will, I think he is asking about AFTER he has got his film processed.

The problem is, while cores are cheap, split reels can be expensive! I think your best to keep an eye out on ebay or the classifieds for a nice used lot. In the mean time you can keep you film on the daylight spools you shot them with.

[Will2]

AHHH....

Sorry, I misunderstood.

For storing it doesn't really matter unless you regularly project your film and want it on a projector reel.

If you shoot negative and telecine it, I would keep it on a core for storage as it would be placed on a core anyway for more telecine or making a print.

If you shoot reversal film and can get a split reel (you only need one), you can also wind it onto a projector reel yourself and back on to a core if you ever need to.

[slashmaster]

I actually own newsreel films from the 40's that came from the factory on 100 foot cardboard reels! Maybe you could make some.

[superadio]

Thanks for all suggestions. I have ordered split reel from the US. And some cores too. I just have to see how functional this is. Yeah, i have been thinking making reels myself too. Of course, If i store film on core, i need box for protection.

[sciolist]

I've found 'Titewind' arms fitted to rewinders produce a neater result than split reels and they're less fussy. The ones I use are made by Moviola and Hollywood Film Company.