Getting the tape off 120 film

[Adrian]

I always struggle a bit getting the large piece of tape off the end of an Ilford 120 film. I have ripped film, I have ripped half the tape off and left the other half still on the film. I have ended up with the tape re-attaching itself to the film. And a new one tonight... Static electricity. I pulled the tape off and saw a flash of light as I did it. It did nicely expose the film but fortunately only the end bit.

I have often thought of just leaving the tape on the film, folding it over, but not wishing to have anything other than the film in my developer so far I have always tried to remove it.

Any tips?

[Tony Marlow]

Maybe I am missing something but I just cut off the end of the film with a pair of sissors. As it is the last bit that goes into the reel it doesn't matter if it is not square.

Tony

[skellum]

After seeing the bright flash of static a few years ago I now just tear through the tape and leave it on the film. No idea how many rolls I've processed this way, but it's never done the film any harm.

[David Brown]

Originally Posted by Adrian

I have often thought of just leaving the tape on the film, folding it over, ...

That's perfectly alright. I haven't done it any other way in decades. I do cut that 1/2 inch off after processing, though.

The static discharge is always a shock (not literally) if one does not know it's going to happen. But it's harmless. I find the folded over tape is the least trouble, and also helps the film stay in the clip on the stainless reel.

[Adrian]

Thanks for the advice - I think I'll leave the tape on the film folded over. I avoid scissors - it's just another thing to grope around for in the dark and I once cut my finger rather than the film whilst trying to cut off 35mm in a changing bag being a clumsy clot.

[RichardWarom]

I also do what David does and never had a problem with processing.
Richard

[Richard Gould]

For many years I have torn though the tape and used the tape end to feed into the reel, it makes for a stiffer end and loads easier.
Richard

[RH Designs]

I've never done anything other than simply tear through the tape and leave the remaining bit stuck to the film. No problem.

[Paulographic]

If it's easy to do so I tear the tape off but sometimes it isn't. I found that on Agfa film the tape was very stuck so in these cases I fold it over and as I use stainless steel reels push that end into the clip the bit of extra thickness being an advantage.

[Terry S]

Same as most others have stated really = I just tear the film from the backing paper and fold over any sticky bit of the tape left to the other side of the film. It's never come off during processing or done any harm to the film.

A lot more to worry about in the processing stages than this I would have thought.

Terry S