Topic: Scratches on first couple of frames

[choppert]

Just processed a film and noticed loads of horizontal parallel scratches on only the first two frames.  Not at the edges, in the main section of the negative  

  Tri-X (if that's relevant?)
  Nikon 35Ti
  Then used a film leader retriever
  Processed the film (no squeegie)
  Put the film through a Matin film guillotine

As it's only the first couple of frames my thinking is toward the film leader retriever.  Anything else I'd expect the scratches to be on more frames?

Any ideas?

Thanks,



Chops

[Francois]

Could very well be the retriever... though somehow I think the emulsion should be harder than that.
I used to take a bottle opener to pry the top of the cans open... makes them quite sharp but it gets the film out without any worries.

[Greys on Grey]

I have one idea, when you are rolling up the film, stop winding as soon as you feel the tension released.  Then take out the roll.  The tab should be exposed.  Bend the tab over and form a crease.  Then you know it is not new film.  From now on trim the tab in the light, turn off the lights and pull the film out of the canister as you spool it.  Tear or cut with scissors that piece of tape that holds it to the spindle.  

Or use a church key to open your canisters.

[LT]

... Then used a film leader retriever ...

Bingo

[choppert]

Thanks guys, on the basis that it's the shonky film leader retriever then.....

How else do people remove 35mm film?

I quite like starting my loading in the light and then switching the light off.

Can I damage my Nikon 35Ti by opening it at the last second [of rewind] so the leader is still poking out?

Chops

[sapata]

Thanks guys, on the basis that it's the shonky film leader retriever then.....

How else do people remove 35mm film?

I quite like starting my loading in the light and then switching the light off.

Can I damage my Nikon 35Ti by opening it at the last second [of rewind] so the leader is still poking out?

Chops

I open the canister with the Ilford opener and cut the film in total darkness.

[Francois]

I always let the film rewind completely in like it is intended by the camera. Then, you just take a regular kitchen bottle opener (think beer bottle) and pry the bottom cap off. It's really child's play. You can then remove the entire bobbin from the metal can.

The tool and how to...

[LT]

I don't think your leader retriever is shonky or shoddy or wonky. It's just what they do. I've never managed to use one without scratches happening.

I do as francois says but just use the edge of a pair or scissors to force the top of the cannister off. 

[Nigel]

I always use a bottle opener (mine cost 9p in Sainsburys). I found opening the end with the short spindle slightly easier as the cap doesn't get caught on the spindle.