118 format

118

Historical Notes

It is one of the roll film formats introduced by Kodak in the beginning of the 1900’s and one of the oldest, remained in production from 1900 to 1961 and widespread especially in the Autographic version.

it had particular broadcast along with the camera, the Kodak Camera No. 3 and, in particular, the Autographic version (named A-118), which allowed the direct writing on short film notes between one frame and the next, introduced in 1914.

Technical Characteristics

The film is wrapped in roll on a wooden (later made in steel) spool and with backing paper to protect from light; the format of the frame is rectangular with sizes 8 x 10.5 cm, for a total capacity of 6 frames per roll.

In the years 20/30 Kodak also introduced a longer strip film version holding 12 frames.

Cameras and Films

The cameras produced for 118 format are almost essentially Kodak brand and, as generally in vogue at the time, bellows type (folding); of particular success the No. 3 Series III, produced from 1926 to 1934 and sold at the time at a price of US $ 33, and the compact version No. 3 Pocket Special worth US $ 62.

The films were largely produced by Kodak and not deviate from emulsions produced for other amateur format cameras; Special mention deserves the Verichrome emulsion, used until a few years ago by independent producers to rewind old spools 118 format. All Kodak film production for the format was available in both a standard edition and Autographic one.

Using 118 format today

Unless you retrieve one of the original/re-adapted reels still available, for an exorbitant cost (taking into account the limited number of frames available), the format has few possibility of prolonged use, as it is for all those formats where 120 standard film is not easily adaptable. Some cameras, however, can be easily re-adapted for use with 120 format, benefiting from a higher yield of the optics due to less demand of optic coverage of the 6cm film.

 

One thought on “118 format

  1. Dear I.F.P., I have a 118 film camera in mint conditions I am intentioned to use: is there any chance to get film somewhere? Not interested in having it fresh
    Cheers
    Chass

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