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Thread: Opening film packets without generating lint

  1. #1

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    Opening film packets without generating lint

    OK. I admit it. Autodidacts have the worst possible instructors.

    Has anyone found a clean, lint-free way to open a film packet in a changing bag? I have found solutions to every other practical LF problem by myself (or searching here :-), but this one has me stumped.

    I am reluctant to have a scalpel or guillotine in the bag with my tender fingers. I have used scissors, but they're not perfect. Tearing is right out. Is there some clever way to prise apart the package without getting paper fibres everywhere?

    The lack of 50-sheet boxes just rubs salt into the wound.

  2. #2
    Camera Antipodea Richard Mahoney's Avatar
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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Dear Struan,

    Quote Originally Posted by Struan Gray View Post
    I am reluctant to have a scalpel or guillotine in the bag with my tender fingers. I have used scissors, but they're not perfect. Tearing is right out. Is there some clever way to prise apart the package without getting paper fibres everywhere?
    Ditto about a scalpel blade. And yes, for a while I used scissors as well, but eventually dropped them as they really were a pain. So now I just find the nick, or don't find it, and tear. Still, I haven't noticed an increase in rubbish on the film since beginning to tear. If you don't mind me asking, then, why is tearing out of the question?


    Kind regards,

    Richard
    Richard Mahoney
    M: +64-21-064-0216 T: +64-3-312-1699 E: contact@indica-et-buddhica.com

  3. #3

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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Quote Originally Posted by Richard Mahoney View Post
    ...why is tearing out of the question?
    I find paper fibres all over the inside of the changing bag. Not masses, but enough to make we want to find A Better Way (tm).

  4. #4

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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Haven't tried this, but...
    What about one of those promotional letter openers?
    It's a chunk of plastic (with the company name on it) and a razor blade embedded safely within. You just put what you want to slide in the opening and pull it thru.

  5. #5

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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    I routinely use children's craft scissors in the dark bag whether opening a film pack or trimming the leader off 35mm for loading. They are metal, but short and have rounded tips. No problems thus far.

  6. #6
    Yes, but why? David R Munson's Avatar
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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Quote Originally Posted by Stoogley View Post
    Haven't tried this, but...
    What about one of those promotional letter openers?
    It's a chunk of plastic (with the company name on it) and a razor blade embedded safely within. You just put what you want to slide in the opening and pull it thru.
    I like this idea. One of these, right?

  7. #7

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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Yup, that's it.

  8. #8
    Moderator
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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Use Ilford sheet film - there's no paper packet to rip or cut open.

    Or get an empty Ilford sheet film box from someone who uses it, open your other-brand film packet in the darkroom and transfer the stack of film to the Ilford plastic bag + box for carrying in the field.

  9. #9
    dave_whatever's Avatar
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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    Or use Fuji film, it comes in a plastic packet.

  10. #10
    Resident Heretic Bruce Watson's Avatar
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    Re: Opening film packets without generating lint

    I use one of these. The smallest Swiss Army knife I've found. The tiny scissors are just the ticket for opening film bags in a changing tent. I've done it over and over and over without problems.

    Bruce Watson

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