Luminous Landscape Forum

Raw & Post Processing, Printing => Printing: Printers, Papers and Inks => Topic started by: drralph on March 07, 2018, 01:39:33 pm

Title: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: drralph on March 07, 2018, 01:39:33 pm

I have about 50 rolls of 35mm film that need to be cut into strips for storage in PrintFile sheets.  As a kid, I did this with a pair of scissors, but the method was inaccurate, and I ended up with some perilously thin borders.    Has anyone cut film strips with a rotary trimmer?  I have been considering getting one for printing purposes.  I guess the other option is a dedicated tool like the Kaiser 2115 Film Cutter.  Not sure that investment makes sense with the limited need that I have.

Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: elliot_n on March 07, 2018, 01:44:34 pm

I'd stick with scissors – a rotary trimmer is not the right tool for the job.

Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: JeanMichel on March 07, 2018, 04:08:09 pm

HI,
Not sure where you can get those inexpensively, but try looking:
Polaroid slide cutter (came with kits for 35 mm Polaroid slide film). I had one – and it worked very well – but I gave it away with my darkroom equipment. It looked very much like the Kaiser unit you mention.
Projection booth or film editing suite 35 mm film cutter/splicer.

I can't see how using a rotary or guillotine cutter can work effectively, I'd just refine my scissorship!

Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: drralph on March 07, 2018, 05:44:31 pm

Quote from: JeanMichel on March 07, 2018, 04:08:09 pm

I'd just refine my scissorship!

I think Elliot and Jean Michel are both right.  I should just use scissors with great care.  Cheap, effective, and an element of craft!

Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: Popdoc on March 08, 2018, 07:49:01 am

Not the fastest, but will make you happy...   https://www.amazon.com/Matin-Multiple-Slide-Cutter-format/dp/B00DMR8OII


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Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: jmichael on March 10, 2018, 09:56:14 am

You might want to check eBay for a Noritsu negative cutter.

Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: drralph on March 10, 2018, 06:38:45 pm

Quote from: Popdoc on March 08, 2018, 07:49:01 am

Not the fastest, but will make you happy...   https://www.amazon.com/Matin-Multiple-Slide-Cutter-format/dp/B00DMR8OII

Looks like it would work, and less than half the price of the Kaiser.  Might give it a go.

Title: Re: Cutting Film Strips
Post by: drralph on March 22, 2018, 10:30:30 am

Bought the Matin negative cutter, and am very pleased.  It took a few tries to get the technique down, but now it is a smooth and accurate process.  Thanks for the tip Popdoc!

I am reminded that cutting and sleeving negative strips is a slow and tedious process.  I will have to divide this project in bite-size pieces.