Fuji 250T in K3

[sevensword25]

I've been having problems with using Fuji 250T in a K3. I loaded it manually(no loop formers)and when I run it through to make sure that the loops stay at the right height, they don't. The top loop keeps going up and into the feed, not to mention that it sometimes eats up the film. Yet, when I load Kodak film into it, it's perfectly fine. Now I read that Kodak's emulsions are lubricated carefully, so then Fuji's stock is more stiff and will not work properly in a K3? Is there anyway to get around this?

Kev

[John_Pytlak]

I've been having problems with using Fuji 250T in a K3. I loaded it manually(no loop formers)and when I run it through to make sure that the loops stay at the right height, they don't. The top loop keeps going up and into the feed, not to mention that it sometimes eats up the film. Yet, when I load Kodak film into it, it's perfectly fine. Now I read that Kodak's emulsions are lubricated carefully, so then Fuji's stock is more stiff and will not work properly in a K3? Is there anyway to get around this?

Kev

Use Kodak film? :?:

Really, the frictional properties of the film are very critical to transport and quiet operation through cameras. Kodak uses different types of lubes on the emulsion and the back side of the film, and also carefully adjusts the surface roughness of the film using proprietary types of "matte" particles. Any new Kodak film has to pass hundreds of different tests, many of which evaluate frictional and transport properties.

[sevensword25]

So Fuji stock isn't good for the K3? Maybe I'm just loading it wrong or something.

Kev

[John_Pytlak]

So Fuji stock isn't good for the K3? Maybe I'm just loading it wrong or something.

Kev

You said "Yet, when I load Kodak film into it, it's perfectly fine. ", so I assume it is not your loading technique or the camera.

[teadub]

I've heard of this problem before. I think it was @ the cinematography.com forum.

[lastcoyote]

So Fuji stock isn't good for the K3? Maybe I'm just loading it wrong or something.

Kev

I've loaded over 10 rolls of Fuji films to my K-3, only 1 roll had problem and jammed. I find out the reason was the take up spool. You cannot use the plastic take up spool that came with the camera, It usually cost 80% of film jam.

The reason I didn't use Kodak film is because they only let me to buy 20 rolls minimum same ASA/ISO films, which I cannot afford by just testing my camera. And then Fuji offered me to buy just 2 rolls or 3 rolls a time as they are all different ASA/ISO. After that I keeps on using Fuji until now (Few months) and never have any problem with it.

And, a probably useful hint... I will crop out a tiny bit of film and cut in right on the middle of sprockle hole before I load, I find out that will usually let the sprockle run it real smooth. It run all the way to the very end frame of the film without problem.

Hope it helps.

[Nigel]

To make statements that read like Fuji somehow doesn't test their films as much seems kinda strange...

That is like someone from Ford saying that GM cars are more dangerous because they don't do as many crash tests.

Fuji makes a great product. Kodak makes one too. Lately Fuji has done a better job of customer relations with me and so I have been buying much more film from them than Kodak. But to say that one is better really is just a matter of taste and opinion.

My Kodak rep liked to say that they don't compete with fuji on price becuase Fuji "Only has 3% of the motion picture market." Yet, Fuji has consistantly come in 20-25% less in price...So 20-25% of my wallet or the Indie Producer's wallet is huge.

That is changing a bit lately but either way I don't care that most Americans like Kodak. I shoot Fuji still film and will shoot Fuji motion picture film as long as it is cheaper and gives great results.

Shoot what looks good and that is that.

Good Luck

[Evan Kubota]

Is the Fuji stock actually thicker? I remember a while ago that someone posted problems with their R8 or DS8 camera pulling Foma or a similar Eastern European film and it was found that the film was slightly thicker than Kodak and also not lubricated well. Obviously Fuji probably has higher quality standards than a former Eastern Bloc factory...

I also seem to remember reading on Kodak's site for S8 that older or worn cameras may have trouble pulling Vision2 because the film is slightly thicker and stiffer.

[S8 Booster]

only know the older F500 motion neg from Fuji but it seems that all/most films apart from Single8 films are a consistent 0.15mm thick.

here are some other "species" as well:

UPDATE: Vision2 200T + PLUSX


Films measured:

Kodak:
PLUSX:0.140mm ("new" not processed)
E64: 0.155mm (not processed)** new
K40: 0.145mm (processed)
K40: 0.145mm (not processed)
K25: 0.145mm (processed) *
K25: 0.145mm (not-processed) *
VNF: 0.150mm (processed/not-processed = same)
V200T: 0.165mm (not processed)
V2 200T: 0.155mm (not processed)
E160: 0.130mm (processed)
E50D: 0.155mm (processed)
V250D: Later
V500T: Later

Kodachrome II (R8): 0.145mm (not processed)

Fuji:
F500T: 0.150mm (processed)
F400D: 0.150mm (processed)
RT200N: 0.100mm (processed)*
R25N: 0.100mm (processed)*

Agfa:
A40: 0.145mm (not processed)
A160: later

Fomapan
Fomapan: 0.145mm (processed)*
Fomapan: 0.145mm (not processed)*

s8hôôt

[lastcoyote]

I've try not only Fuji F250T... but also other type of films from Fuji... they all have no problem on K-3 camera.

Same as Nigel, I will keep on shooting Fuji film as long as the dealer help me out on ordering film without minuimum quantity order.

[Evan Kubota]

I'm probably going to use Fuji for my next project (16mm color) since their prices are significantly less than Kodak's are for Vision2, even with the student discount...

[Nigel]

Fuji did have a student discount at one point...

Good Luck

[mattias]

wait, *of course* it's a camera problem if a certain brand of film doesn't run through it. that's so obvious i'm amazed that you're even close to questioning it.

/matt

[scott]

To be clear, is it the take-up loop or feed loop that disappears? If it is the take-up loop, then it could possibly have something to do with the take-up spool.

Frankly, with the pin registration on the K3, on both the feed and take-up sprockets, I don't see how this is possible. Not to say that it is not possible, just odd. It almost sounds as if one side is running faster than the other.

When you removed the loop formers, did you mark the center spindle to the sprocket, and line it up during reassembly and tightening the tension screw?

Also, have you checked the adjustment on the pressure plate screw?

Scott

[sevensword25]

Fuji did have a student discount at one point...

Good Luck

They still do. Yeah I did mark it but I guess I didn't do a very good job though. I'm probably going to have to get it serviced now. Stupid me.

Kev