How to EASILY Retrieve a Film Leader End from 35mm Canister in 3 Different Ways

In this video I demonstrate three different ways how to retrieve or get the leader end back out of your roll of 35mm film canister that has been rewound back in to the canister. In all cases, you're going fishing!

The 3 methods shown in the video are:
1. Using a "film picker" or "leader retriever" tool
2. How to use double sided tape
3. How to use a wet a negative strip

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Sequence for each method:

0:40 Using a retriever tool
1. Hold the retriever so the smaller flexible tongue is on top
2. Slide the large back tongue into the canister
3. Slide the top smaller tongue in, but in the retracted position
4. (Make sure the rigid back shoulder overlaps the canister)
5. Hold the roll to your ear and spin CCW until you hear a click
6. Keep tension on the spool at that point
7. Release the tension as you slowly pull the leader out

2:17 Using double-sided tape
1. Take an old flat negative a few inches long
2. Cut a section of tape and place it at one end of the negative
3. Insert the negative tape side into the canister (about 1")
4. Slowly roll the inner spool CCW until it pulls the strip in
5. Keep tension on the spool at that point
6. Release the tension as you slowly pull the leader out

4:47 Using a wet negative
1. Take an old flat negative a few inches long
2. Lick or wet one end of the negative
3. Insert the negative tape side into the canister (about 1")
4. Slowly roll the inner spool CCW until it pulls the strip in
5. Keep tension on the spool at that point
6. Release the tension as you slowly pull the leader out

Things to watch out for:
- If you use the 'wet negative' method, use a different section for a new roll. (I just cut back the wet slobbered-on part to a dry area).
- Don't use thick double-sided tape, but instead a thinner scotch tape or "Frost King" window sealing tape works well.

Happy fishing!

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Don't be a stranger, say hello or something! Let me know if this worked for you, or better yet, if you have any tips to add to make it easier!

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FIMF Links:

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Hi there. I'm Chris. Film is more fun is a place where I share about whatever busted up old camera I'm currently shooting and tinkering with, or my meanderings in film photography. It would be pretty rad if you said what's up. I'm 99% friendly. Definitely do that. Disclaimer: If you want technical proficiency go watch 'The Art of Photography' (love that show). These videos are more like an elderly person navigating a tv clicker.

Tags:

Ilford,fuji, film, kodak, multipleexposure, doubleexposure, tmax, kodak, ilford, delta, filmismorefun, develop, selfdevelop, photography, analog, lightroom, adobe, darkroom, olympus, nikon, pentax, minolta, canon, 35mm, 120, portra, superia, fujifilm, diy, lomo, lens,

[filmismorefun]

Ready-to-shoot experimental films available here:


REDdiculous Experimental 35mm Film:

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[basedmax]

hey. just wanted to say videos like this help me to no end. you just inspired me to finish off my 300$ film developing spree, im very exited to start shooting my rollei cameras! this was very valuable, please keep making videos man your building a generation of film photographers.

[SteveB-xv]

I'd been having no luck/skill with my film picker with Portra films -- the tape and leader tip worked immediately. Thanks for this how to!

[chinmayeed]

Thank you my friend! For me even the film picker was not working so I put a double sided tape on film picker and it worked. Basically combined 2 methods you mentioned. Thanks again !

[MrSjpsjp]

I have one of those Kaiser retrievers. Just tried to use it about 30 times with no luck. The lick-the-film method worked first time. Thank you!

[sandromaster]

I've watched hundreds and hundreds of videos about film leader retreiving, but this actually worked! THANK YOU SO MUCH! <3

[Laptop]

I am new to the hobby so when my camera rewind knob wasn’t turning, I didn’t notice anything wrong. Then when my film was done rewinding in one second that’s when I knew I’d messed up. Thanks for this video. Saved me a roll.

[debadiptabasak]

We have watched so many videos but this one was to the point. The point that you need to lock the film canister in that location was the key takeaway. Kudos.
Many many thanks for making this informative video.

[headwerkn]

Lol, just spent 15 mins with the lass at my local shop with a Kaiser film retriever to no avail. Turns out we were using it upside down! You sir, have earned a thumbs up ;-)

[Shadow_Bansheee]

i had one film roll left and my class final is due today, and I got stuck. thank you, you are a lifesaver.

[toryjaeger]

Thank you so much!! My camera automatically retracted my unused film into the cartridge and I thought I was screwed you’re a life saver!!

[Festgriff]

I’ve tried to get the Kaiser film leader puller to wok for six months. Watched your video and bang. It works every time! thank you for saving me from breaking every roll!

[lala-kqbp]

the lick method is a life saver omg!!! thank you😭😭😭😭😭

[ducatitastic]

After wasting an hour of trying other methods using the double sided tape worked for me, thanks for sharing dude.

[yournway]

Spit did it!!!
You're a life saver and this is indeed a life lesson.
Thank you for sharing. Hurra!

[genekhabensky]

The best advice I ever got !!! I mean, the tongue ! Saved me $15

[davidjb]

Still waiting on a Kaiser that I ordered and running out of time I decided to try your sticky tape idea. It took my two tries but it worked! I will make sure to keep some developed leaders around for backup now. Great tip.

[jcwrightson]

Wow slobber method saved my day! Thanks man!

[tangho]

true about reusing the negative, it works best the first time!

[Photovalve]

I have seen a few videos about how to use a film retriever, none of them are any good. Following your instructions I did it in one go. Excellent! Thank you!