Often I will find a fun camera that I want to try but it uses 620 film.  As 620 is no longer being commercially manufactured, a lot of people think that the camera is unusable.  Here is a solution that will allow you to shoot with it.

Although both 120 and 620 film are the same width (62mm) they differ only in their spool dimensions and connection to the camera.

620 film spools have a narrow center spool (7mm), the ends are flat (.11mm) and the overall diameter is small (22.5mm).  They connect to the winding key on most cameras with a 6.5mm wide key hole.

120 film has a larger center spool (11.5mm), the ends are thicker (1.5mm) and the overall diameter is larger (25mm).  It connects to the winding key on a camera with a 10.5mm key hole.

The difference in dimensions prevent using 120 film in most (but not all) cameras that require 620 film.

PLEASE, READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE YOU CONTINUE.  I suggest that you waste a roll of 120 film and practice these procedures in room light before you actually work in a changing bag.

The photos on this page shows the transfer using an UNGLOVED hand for clarity only.  Make sure you use your gloves!

Here's what you will need to do this:

1.    2 (two) empty 620 film spools*.
2.    1 (one) roll of 120 film (take the box and outer wrapper off the roll of film and dispose of them).
3.    1 (one) pair of white cotton gloves* (also known as Mortician's gloves).
4.    Changing bag (available at your local camera store, or from us).
5.    A few small pieces of tape*.

Follow these instructions carefully:

1.    Put the empty spools, the roll of 120 film and the small pieces of tape inside of your changing bag and zip it closed.  It might be a good idea to attach the tape to a small piece of plastic or an eraser so it will not stick to everything and be available when you need it.

2.    Put your white cotton gloves on.  Using these will keep fingerprints and dust and oils off of the film surface.

3.    Put your hands into the sleeves of the changing bag.  Make sure that the sleeves are tight and far enough up your arms to block all light.

4.    O.K., here we go...  Open the roll of 120 film.  This will be the feed roll.  Remove the small strip of securing paper completely and put it aside.

5.    Attach the free end to one of the 620 spools.  This will be the take-up spool.  Most 620 spools have slots in the center to hold the paper.  If not, use a small piece of tape to hold it to the spool.

5.    Wind the film from the 120 reel on to the 620 reel.  Keep it tight but DO NOT pull hard. 6.    When you are through, hold the 620 roll tightly and put the empty 120 reel out of your way. 7.    Pick up the other 620 spool (which now becomes the take-up spool) and attach the paper backing to it.  As said before, most 620 spools have a slots in the center to hold the paper.  If not, use a small piece of tape to hold it to the spool. 8.    Now wind the film from the feed 620 spool to the take-up 620 spool.

Be Careful:  the film is not attached to the paper backing on this end.  Be careful that the film goes between the paper and does not curl up by itself.  If it does, back up and do it again.

9.    When you are through, make sure (still in the changing bag) that the paper and film are wound completely and securely onto the 620 reel.  To make sure it's tight, I take the end of the spool and turn it clockwise as I hold the outer paper. Take a piece of tape and tape the end tab down. 10.    Open your changing bag and you should have one fresh roll of film on your 620 spool.  Total time spent, about 20 minutes for your first one and less for the next.

When you take off your gloves, pull them off, inside out.  The clean side will be protected for future use.
 

An alternate method is to do the winding/unwinding by using your 620 camera to hold the take up spool.  You have to be very careful to do this as you might damage your camera.  The spool can not be turned backwards in a camera as most have a clutch to only allow the film to go in one direction.
 

Processing notes:
 

Some suggest that after exposure, you should take the film off of the 620 reel prior to having the film processed.  I find that if you ask kindly, the processor will return your 620 spool.  Make sure that they understand that it is a 620 spool, not 120 and that is what you want back.

However, if you decide to put your film back onto the 120 spool, do it in the changing bag following steps 7-9.  Remember that when you are through, you will have an exposed roll of film that will say "UNEXPOSED" on the outside!!!

I hope you can enjoy your 620 cameras as I have.  If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to email or call us at: (661) 822-9784
 
 

Classic Cameras

*We supply two empty 620 spools with our conversion kit.  The kit contains two empty 620 spools, tape in a pop-up dispenser, one pair of white cotton gloves and these instructions printed out.  The cost of the kit is $14.00 which includes shipping via regular mail, $16.00 via Priority Mail.  Just ask for the 620/120 kit.

Click here to order

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