220 film and backs

[studio11]

for my old yamaiya rb67, i just bought a 220 pro s back and i need instructions on how to insert the 220 film , is it very different from the 120 film installation.
i know it seems stupid to ask but so many thimes i did not asked first and regretted not to have asked...
thanks to all
eric

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Eric Welcome to PR and our new Film Forum. The 220 film should load the same as 120. Insert the leader into the take up spool and advance it until your start marks line up. Just make sure with having your different back that you load the right film into the right back. Otherwise, loading 220 into your 120 back will only give you half the shots possible. Here's a link to a Mamiya Pro-S manual that you can download that might help. I hope this helps and hope to see some shots once you get some stuff developed

Aaron

[Photo-John]

It's been a long time, but I think it's the same as 120. It would be good to get a second opinion from someone who's used it more recently than me, though. One thing I do remember is that 220 has a much thinner film base and is a lot easier to kink when you're handling it. So be careful or it will get little halfmoon marks in it. It's also has more of a tendency to curl up than 120. I really prefer 120 because it's easier to deal with, even though you have to change rolls more often. I think 120 is safer.

[another view]

A roll of 220 is twice as long as 120, so you get twice as many shots with it (is it 20 vs. 10 on 6x7?). 120 has a sheet of paper that backs the film as it goes thru the camera and 220 does not. I haven't worked with 220, but have heard that the film base is thinner (like John says) so with those two differences, it's not interchangeable. Cameras that have separate backs (your Mamiya, Hasselblad, etc) will have 120 and 220 backs, but other cameras will need an adjustment to use one type or the other.

[Jason Hopkins]

A roll of 220 is twice as long as 120, so you get twice as many shots with it (is it 20 vs. 10 on 6x7?). 120 has a sheet of paper that backs the film as it goes thru the camera and 220 does not. I haven't worked with 220, but have heard that the film base is thinner (like John says) so with those two differences, it's not interchangeable. Cameras that have separate backs (your Mamiya, Hasselblad, etc) will have 120 and 220 backs, but other cameras will need an adjustment to use one type or the other.

The film itself is exactly the same stock...its just that the length is of course longer on 220 and it doesnt have paper backing that 120 does...its wound much like 35mm. But the stock is NOT thinner or different in any way OTHER than lenght.

Everyone was correct when they said the 220/120 backs on the RB load the same. Depending on the back, for example if you have one of the Pro S/SD motorized backs you have to pivot the pressure plate between 120/220 but those particular backs will go either way. The only thing I will warn you on with 220 is to be more conscious of keeping tension on the reel as you load the film. without the full lengths paper back that 120 has its more prone to flashing...additionally certain films...mainly the Portra lines tend to want to rapidly unwind themselves. Just keep tension on the reel so it doesnt 'flash unwind' and you will be golden.