Opening film packets without generating lint

[Douglas Henderson]

I found the old Kodak paper envelopes deteriorate with use and start shedding white flakes. If I want to continue using the envelopes for loading exposed film, I put black photo tape over the torn paper edges.

Newer films seem to have better, plastic envelopes. I wish someone sold plastic envelopes as well as new, empty 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10 film boxes.

[Brian C. Miller]

How about small scissors for beard trimming? There are small sizes. I got mine in a cheap kit years ago.

[Struan Gray]

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas. My current least bad solution is a pair of blunt-ended but reasonably sharp children's scissors, but I like the thought of an enclosed-blade cutter.


Douglas: among the very best incidental gadgets I have bought for LF have been triple-shell film boxes in ABS from Mike Walker (www.walkercameras.com). They used to be listed among the accessories on his website, but no longer. It can't hurt to ask though.

[Mark Sampson]

My solution has been simple for decades; remove the foil packet after opening it. The two sheets of cardboard that are left protect the film against whatever dangers lurk in the triple box. Of course I live in Rochester and have been using mostly Kodak film my whole life... dust from the paper/foil package has never been an issue, in a changing bag, tent, or darkroom.