135 (35mm) Film Bulk Loader

Intro

Annoyed with the lack of availability and high prices of existing bulk loaders, I have decided to have a shot at designing my own. I have tried to make it reasonably accessible. You will just need a 3D printer, scissors, a screwdriver and a soldering iron (or other way of heating up the inserts) to put it together. You will need to load it in a dark bag or room but should then be able to load individual rolls in daylight.

This project is still a prototype. I cannot promise there are aren't light leaks that have escaped my attention though I am only making the files public as I believe I have found all of the major issues. Feedback is welcome, if people have good recommendations I am open to designing altered parts.

BoM:

1. Each printed part x1
2. M3 heat set inserts x13**
3. M3x12 screws [anything from about 10~25 mm should be suitable] x18**
4. Felt light seal material w. sticky backing approx. 10cm^2 **

**(Extra recommended as spares)

Minimum bed size: 200mm x 200mm

Instructions

Print each part in the default orientation of the STL. Only use supports on LoadChamberDoor and LoadChamberTopSection vertical overhangs, grid supports are recommended over organic. Use black or similarly dark filament, lighter pigmented plastics may allow light to pass through and ruin the film.

Apply heat set inserts to all holes too big for the M3 screws to thread into. There is one on the LightSealBlock and 12 on the BulkLoaderChassis. Apply the felt light seal material to the LightSealBlock and BulkLoaderChasses where the channel for the film to leave the chassis has a kink. This means that when film is sealed in the loader it should be impossible for it to be exposed to outside light. If you have spare felt left I suggest using some on the gap between the door and chassis. The crank handle is assembled with a single M3 screw and does not attach to the rest of the loader anywhere (don't loose it).

Attach the LightSealBlock, LoadChamberTopSection and LoadChamberDoor to the BulkLoaderChassis with the M3 Screws. In a dag bag or dark room place the bulk film roll into the chassis and feed it through the felt light seals to the other side. Attach the lid with the remaining screws, cranking down on them a bit to pull the lid on tightly.

You should now be ready to attach your bulk film to a spare canister and use the crank handle to wind it in. A calculated number of turns is listed on the lid but I suggest experimenting to get rolls of the desired length.

[I have attached a .obj file as reference to help with assembly]

n.b. I have designed this with 100ft rolls in mind as these seem to be most common. That's not to say others wont fit but check before use.