Kodak developed 120 film in the early 20th century for use in its Brownie line of cameras. The distinctive format of 120 film has allowed it to endure the transition to digital photography primarily because the format allows certain aesthetic color advantages that 35mm film and digital photographs do not. When you want to shoot a new roll of film, it can seem daunting to replace a roll of 120 film if are unfamiliar with the parts of your camera, but with a little patience it can be done.
Instructions
1. Open your camera's film compartment. Usually you will have to turn a screw or a plate on the back or the bottom of the camera counter-clockwise to open the compartment. Every camera is slightly different, so consult your user manual if you are unable to find a releasing mechanism. The back of the camera will pop out when you have successfully done so.
2. Remove the empty spool from the side of the camera that you see it in. This is called the supply side, and it is holding the end of the previous roll of film that the camera has shot. You must place this empty spool in the compartment on the opposite end of the back of the camera (called the take-up side). If there is no spool in the back of the camera, you can go to a camera shop and they will likely have an extra one you can have.
3. Tear apart the foil wrapper that your new roll of 120 film is in. Carefully peel off the tape that keeps the roll intact.
4. Place the new spool of 120 film on the supply side of the camera (the side that does not rotate if you twist the film advance knob).
5. Pull the paper (unravel the spool), so an arrow appears, indicating that you are on the right path. Insert the end of the paper leader into the tab in the center of the empty film spool that you previously moved.
6. Wind the film advance knob on the side of the camera until the film becomes taut and begins to wind around the empty spool.
7. Close the camera and wind the film-advance knob until the red window or frame counter on the outside of the camera reads some form of "1" or "#1." Occasionally cameras will read "S" before they get to "1." Many cameras also will make a clicking sound when they reach the appropriate frame number.
8. Shoot the roll of film, advancing to the next number in between shots.
Tags: roll film, back camera, empty spool, side camera, advance knob