Noob question

[hteasley]

I've just acquired a camera that takes 828 film. Why does 828 film require backing paper? Is it just for keeping the film protected from light for loading?

Could the spool just be loaded in a changing bag with 35mm unbacked film, and loaded into the camera that way?

[ssmc]

If you load standard 35mm film into a camera designed for 828, the absence of the backing paper will result in slightly out-of-focus images (because the backing paper places the film slightly closer to the lens), much like the effect of putting 220 into a 120 camera (assuming the pressure plate is fixed). The paper protects the film from light and to a lesser extent from scratches, and allows seeing how many shots you have left by looking at frame numbers printed on the paper through a red window in the back of the camera.

Also, 828 lacks sprocket holes and the gate is 28mm x 40mm so the edges of your pics will overlap the holes on standard 35mm film.

Here is a site that shows all this stuff: http://pheugo.com/cameras/index.php?page=spool828

HTH,
Scott

[hteasley]

Thanks for that. I've seen that page, and a few others, in my 828 googling lately, but the one thing that hadn't been explained was why backing paper is actually necessary for shooting the film, so thanks for the explanation.

Of course, it makes me think I could add a layer of paper to the pressure plate, and have the bare film be able to be exposed properly....

And yes, I'm expecting image over sprocket holes, I've been seeing images with that in my research. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what I can do with this camera, and am looking for the easiest way to get film into it and out of it. Since I have a changing bag, I was thinking if I could just load film out of a canister onto a 828 spool, cut it when the spool is full, and load it, all inside the bag, that that's easier than getting some backing paper and backing 35mm film every time.

Am I way off base here? I completely admit that I don't know what I'm doing. I'm just wondering if there's some flaw to my idea that would ruin the film.

[ssmc]

Since you can (apparently) use cut-down 120 film as a sub for 828, some backing paper from a roll of 120 attached to the pressure plate may well do the trick. I don't know how long it would last with the film sliding over it but it would sure be worth a try.

With that done I can't see any reason why you could not load film from a 35mm canister (or a bulk roll for economy) onto an 828 spool and then load the camera in a changing bag as you suggest, other than the inconvenience factor. If you keep the light out the film should be fine.

BTW what camera are you using?