828 film
828 Kodachrome II packaging image by Dirk HR Spennemann (Image rights) |
828 film was Kodak's 35mm paper-backed roll film, introduced in 1935. The image size of standard 35mm film was considered "miniature" in the 1930s, but by eliminating the two-sided sprocket holes (a vestige of 35mm film's movie origins) Kodak could increase 828's image area by 30% (to 28x40mm). Standard rolls of 828 film yield 8 exposures per roll. A smaller diameter spool allowed for smaller camera designs as well. Kodak's Bantam camera series used 828 film, and so the size is often known by the "Bantam" name.
Many sources on the internet (including earlier versions of this webpage) state that 828 film is unperforated; however, true 828 film does include a single perforation per frame on one side of the film, similar to 126 film (but with a different spacing). There may have been some production runs of 828 film that did not include this perforation, but the original 828 film did include a single perforation per frame. This perforation is necessary for correct film advancement in certain native 828 camera models.
Kodak also made adapters for using 828 film in three of their 620 cameras: the Chevron, Tourist and Reflex. Zeiss Ikon made an 828 adapter for the Super Ikonta B and BX cameras called the "Color Adapter". Burke & James also made a "Color Film Adaptor" for several 120 film cameras.
Other paper-backed 35mm film formats have included Bolta and the film Konishiroku produced for the Konilette.
Kodak discontinued production of 828 film in 1985.
828 film spool compared to standard 35mm cassette image by AWCam (Image rights) |
828 film marked "For Kodak Bantam Cameras" image by Geoff Harrisson (Image rights) |
Links
- Kodak Bantam Special including a history of 828, by Brian Wallen
- Kodak 828 Film replacement options by Brian Wallen
- "Feeding a classic" (a thread at Nelsonfoto), about using cut-down 120 film (archived)
- Super Ikonta 828 color film adapter instructions from OrphanCameras.com
- Zeiss Super Ikonta color adaptor article by Geoff Harrisson
- 828 film dimensions discussion by Matthew D’Asaro. Includes detailed dimensions of perforation layout and plan diagram for building a perforation punch.