Using 100ft take up spools as guide rollers with Bolex 400ft mag

[Jordan Langmore]

Hey all,

So I’m looking to use a 400ft magazine on my Bolex EBM this weekend and the only piece I’m missing is the 2 rollers that go inside the camera body and guide the film back into the magazine.

Wondering if it is possible to use empty 100ft spools in place of these rollers? Any insight or experience would be greatly appreciated!

[Doug Palmer]

I shudder to think of the wear on the film. Maybe it's possible to glue in some velvet strips or similar to prevent that happening, so only the film's edges make contact. 

[Dom Jaeger]

No I would not recommend using spools, they will scratch the film if used for this purpose. You could possibly make or 3D print something that spins freely and only contacts the film edges, but honestly, just buy the proper rollers:

http://www.duallcamera.com/store/Film_CameraAccessories.htm

or

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275010737544?hash=item4007ead588:g:UpgAAOSwoU5hgHHF

[Robert Hart]

My personal preference would be to avoid the 100ft reels. They will scratch your film as there are no raised edges at the hub centre to support the image area away from abrasion. As a workaround, you could cut 3mm broad strips of gaffer tape and make ridges inside around the reel hub but the chances of making an even surface and not getting sticky cack on the image frame are pretty low. Unless you can afford to waste the work involved in shooting, you might be better off rescheduling your shoot to give yourself time to aquire the correct rollers.