Film picker retriever causing light leaks?

Sharing a recent discovery where my film retriever was causing light leaks on the first few frames of developed film. I sometimes use the picker to pull the film leader out before developing at home. Through trial and error, I concluded that my picker was likely faulty, or suboptimal. Let me know if you have any similar experiences or other theories on this phenomenon!

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[pushingfilm]

Update:
1- I want to reiterate that this isn't a blanket problem with film retrievers. I've also successfully used them for years in the past, which is why I suspected my particular copy.
2- I've had feedback saying this could be a problem with Ilford (and thus Kentmere) films. Although I have also had the same leaks on other films (like Rollei), I mainly shoot Ilford films... so it's worth investigating. Maybe the particular combo of Ilford rolls + a "bad" picker? I'll continue testing, paying attention to the film brand.
3- Something else I suspected could be an issue, reinforced by some comments: The translucent white plastic on some pickers instead of opaque black. This one makes sense as a potential cause of light piping.
4- I also appreciate the tips like using wet film, tape and other tricks like just leaving the leader out when rewinding. I'm already aware of most methods and alternatives, but leave your tips anyway because it could help others, and you might still have something new.
5- Thanks for all the feedback and comments from everyone to help us solve this, and sorry if I haven't replied yet! If you have the same issue, please investigate whether it's only on Ilford/Kentmere films and edit your original comment with this information.

[AlexOnStreets]

I also have the same issue sometimes! I have a Matin. I also bulk load and thought maybe the felt could be old but this makes more sense too.

[Guairenito]

This is an informative video, thank you for sharing your experience with us. I think your retriever just wore out and it is a good idea to replace it. Try also retrieving the leader just with another short piece of film. You could save little stripes of scrap undeveloped film from rolls you develop, and use them to retrieve your leader. You just have to wet a little bit one of the ends and insert that into the canister you want to retrieve the leader from, spin the film inside the canister a couple of turns and most of the time the 2 ends stick together and then voila, you got your film out.

[michaelhaarstad]

I've only used a leader retriever for a few accidental situations where I rolled the film back in. I too am now saving cassettes to reuse for bulk rolling. I recently found that I could actually use the ilford opener, same as you have, to carefully remove the top without bending it significantly. Had to squeeze the sides a bit while lifting with the opener, slowly increasing pressure, but it worked and I could seal it back up without much issue. Not quite the same technique as cracking open a fresh beer, but it wasn't bad.

[joanmichel]

Interesting knowledge. I never experienced this but now I’ll be mindful of this.😮

[chrisloomis]

Thanks for the head's up .... did not know that these could affect the canister light seal. I was not aware of these tools " film picker's " .

[GirdHerd]

Good to know. I just started developing my own film again and am using a brand new Matin Film Picker 7. I didn't see any light leaks on the first two B&W rolls I've developed but will keep an eye on it because of your warning. Thanks for the heads up.

[chrisjones]

Film pickers! bane of my life for about a year, till I eventually got the hang of using one type, the ars-Image, all metal and very small, I swear by it. Thank for all you do.

[Furry]

Unless you need the roll lead intact for bulk loading, just pop cap off canister and load into reel. But, it might be dustier depending on your procedure

[Aironught]

Wow, yes this has to be my exact same issue. I was wondering what was causing this problem. I do the same where I develop B&W at home but drop off my color at a lab and I’ve noticed that my color rolls never have the light leaks on the first couple frames but the black and white do. I haven’t been able to figure out what’s causing this and I think this has to be it. Super interesting thanks for pointing this out!

[alexandermatragos]

Interesting to know, never had this issue. I’m using a Kaiser one and I’m generally happy with it. I can’t say if it ends up being leaky with more usage, but so far I haven’t had any problems with it.

[slothsarecool]

Interesting, I have the same one from Amazon, I don’t remember having any leaks but I’ll pay attention to that

[jz]

thank you so much for sharing. Just bought one from AP actually. Fingers crossed nothing will happen...

[felipedelahoz]

I've had a similar issue. My working theory was that it was a problem with the felt, as I was bulk-loading cartridges and figured I may have overused one or two. Never even considered that the film picker could be a culprit. Thanks for this

[tedphillips]

I never roll the film all the way back into the canister. I leave the leader out & rip the end off so I know the film has been shot. When I get ready to develop I cut the end with scissors for loading & then in the dark or changing bag load the film still in the canister & cut the film when it is on the reel. This way you can reload the canister without opening it. Also works for reusable canisters.

[TheNegative]

Get the one thats the simple thin metal one. Ars-imago makes one. They’re simple and cheap and work perfectly. Never had an issue.

[favtex]

I just don't use a film picker. You can pull it out using a piece of other undeveloped film, if you wet it emulsion becomes sticky, just put it inside the canister and gently pull out the leader.

[AlbertChetcuti]

I've used and still use a MATIN film retriver and get no light leaks. I've used it for more than 100 rolls of 35mm film. Good luck !!

[hkleinespel]

You might have just solved my light-leak issue on the first frames of many of the films I shot and developed ! Thanks, I'll be more careful now.

[michaelruss]

That's really interesting! I work in a lab where we use leader card processing for our C41 and BW stuff, and I use a picker similar to this one (will have to find out the brand BC I'm not sure). Never seen leaks like this but will be weary of it, especially given the picker is used for about 70ish rolls a day so it should be getting alot of wear and tear.