This has been around for a while, there's a very similar one from Korea I have that I modified to have leds for illumination at the back. They're nice but they really don't handle curly film well, though this one with the large stainless roll seems maybe fixed that. One problem it looks like they haven't solved is a way to lock the guillotine up, I've had it fall down and chew frames before, so you solve the scissors accuracy problem but end up with another one.
I generally hate curly film. But feel this will do a good job once fed in the drive is very substantial. As for the guilotine falling I do not see that happening with this one. It is quite tight and would not fall on its own 👍
This is a great tool, and discovered this tool after my own issues with cut frames. I have stopped using developing labs because they cut film by default, when I notice my scan resolutions varied significantly. I went and looked at the negatives from these frames, and realized the image was cropped because they had cut the frame. I went back and looked all my negatives from these labs and found on average one frame per roll that had been cut. I now only use labs for that don't cut negatives and I use a device similar to this to cut all of my negatives as I prepare them for editing scanning. The extra benefit is that the negatives are now cut to make full use of my archival sleeves and scanning matte, instead of my negatives being cut to fit in an envelope for 6x4 prints.
Another thing that bugs me is the labs that will leave them uncut charge like a dollar or something for that? Seems odd to charge for doing less work. Not sure there reasoning but I mostly develop all my own black and white & most if not all color if I have time.
Done. Just ordered mine. The simple truth is that it is not necessary but it sure would reduce my stress at cutting. Never had much of an issue but always worried about it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks for the video. This would be handy for film from my Leica IIIf which has very tight spacing and I almost always slice a frame edge. Film from my Canon cameras is usually easy enough with scissors, altho my eyes are aging!
Still have limited rolls but think it would work very well for that. The only problem I see is when you have a frame that overlaps for whatever reason but nothing will really help you then. I think my eyes are playing a factor as well.
My problem with this cutter is that the transport roller is not fixed in place. This means that your negative strip has to be dragged across a horizontal surface. This mean dust and scratches. I prefer to cut my negative while they are still hanging from the clip in the drying position.
Great hint, great tool, but got to be a bit careful with the film indicators. 6x6 for instance is a bit too far our which causes to cut in the next picture. But otherwise fantastic to have a tool to cut 135 and 120 film.
Yes I've found that any misaligned spacing you have to be a bit more carefull as well. But it is really easy to see precisely where it will cut. So great point.
Perfect squarnes can be nice if your scanner negative holders need it. Mine works well enough with what I get with scissors. I've only once cut into a frame (with 35mm), never with larger formats.
That's an awesome cutter! I share the frustration with using the scissors, the frame spacing is so small that it is difficult to cut exactly where you want to. If my volume of processing was higher I'd get this in one hot minute.
Yep, I’m almost blind in one eye and my depth perception is crap, so using scissors to cut between frames has always been a gamble for me. This is a great solution for a very fair price.
The idea of cutting while scanning is so good. So good. I went to purchase this after watching your clip but with shipping via DHL from Germany to Canada the total comes to almost $91.00 CAD. Which is about $30 more expensive than the Matin cutter I can order off Jeff Bezos and have delivered early next week. I don’t want to support Jeff but $30 is 1/4 of a roll of Portra nowadays up here. 😂 well not quite but it’s film we could be shooting. I’ve emailed to see if they have other shipping options and I’ll update this when I hear back from them
@@Distphoto I emailed and asked about cheaper shipping options and they confirmed that it’s the cheapest option at the moment. This is directly from the email “But we are setting up a cooperation with some dealers in the USA at the moment to send the Film Killer also to Canada. This will be cheaper but this option will be available in maybe 3 months”. Here’s hoping!
Looks like a good idea, but one huge issue I see right away is that it counts on precise spacing between frames. My 35mm cameras are pretty good at consistent spacing, but my MF cameras (especially my old MF folders) are not.
This has been brought up. I have similar cameras and does not really seem to be an issue. Also, I will take note going in and be a bit more careful if the framing looks real bad. Not difficult to make a slight adjustment where needed. It does not auto cut or anything
Yep, pre-ordered it before it was available - it works like a charm, and it is worth every € (or whatever currency is used ;-)). Just perfect for the job it's made for (and scissors are much, much worse)! Very well built. Oh, and to those complaining about shipping cost from Germany/Europe - we have the same problem with things we order from GB, Canada or the US … somehow shipping costs are way out of proportion for small businesses for several years … Not having it's own light source is a good thing in my regards, because it's one possible failure point removed, and I need a light table anyways.
Thanks for the feedback and experience! I have shipped small things oversees and you are right something always seems off from what I as a small business have to pay comparatively speaking. Not sure if there is an easy solution but one is needed for sure.
What is your assessment of the sharpness of the blade? There is a similar product made by another company with very similar transport mechanism but the blade dulled after only a few rolls of 120. Now it's basically just crushing not cutting the film.
It cuts really well. I cannot speak to its longevity but seems like it would hold up well. Have run 6 rolls of 35mm and two 120 and the last cut was just as crisp as the first.
проблема возникает при резке плёнки с неравномерными промежутками между кадрами, отснятыми на винтажных фотоаппаратах. С Nikon F6 нет проблем, а со старыми дальномерными камерами есть. Купил китайский резак, где хорошо видна линия разреза.
I was thinking about this and I think in the case where the spacing is really wacky you might need a different approach but you would know that going in. Most if not all of my cameras would be fine nearly all of the time. But your right definitely something to consider 👍
I do have to pay my bills no doubt. But am not making a penny off of this. I can say I love supporting film companies and innovators and helping them pay their bills is worthwhile to me because I value what they do. The R&D Time Energy and cost hey put into this should not go unnoticed in my opinion. I do think this is a great product and would not say that if I did not mean it.
You're trying to stir up such a non-situation. A photographer tried and liked some gear, gave reasons for why. So what? And I say this knowing well that I'll stick to my scissors....
I had in mind the same. I use scissors my whole photographic life. Sharp with long blades. I have never cut into the frame. This device has one major isue. If you use it on film which was shot in some modern camera, it will be be probably fine, but old mechanical cameras, especialy when they weren't serviced or greased long time, the spaces between the frames doesn't have to be the same size, so if you roll the film on the marking on the Film Killer, the blade hasn't to be exactly over the frame space. And for that price...it's not worth.
Thank you Matthew for sharing. Ordered one while still watching your video. 👏🏻🙏👏🏻
Hope it serves you well 👍
This has been around for a while, there's a very similar one from Korea I have that I modified to have leds for illumination at the back. They're nice but they really don't handle curly film well, though this one with the large stainless roll seems maybe fixed that.
One problem it looks like they haven't solved is a way to lock the guillotine up, I've had it fall down and chew frames before, so you solve the scissors accuracy problem but end up with another one.
I generally hate curly film. But feel this will do a good job once fed in the drive is very substantial. As for the guilotine falling I do not see that happening with this one. It is quite tight and would not fall on its own 👍
Bought one after seeing your review and I love it.
@@robdixon5016 It’s nicely done. Makes cutting 35mm enjoyable 😀
@@Distphoto And my 120 for sure
This is a great tool, and discovered this tool after my own issues with cut frames. I have stopped using developing labs because they cut film by default, when I notice my scan resolutions varied significantly. I went and looked at the negatives from these frames, and realized the image was cropped because they had cut the frame. I went back and looked all my negatives from these labs and found on average one frame per roll that had been cut. I now only use labs for that don't cut negatives and I use a device similar to this to cut all of my negatives as I prepare them for editing scanning. The extra benefit is that the negatives are now cut to make full use of my archival sleeves and scanning matte, instead of my negatives being cut to fit in an envelope for 6x4 prints.
Another thing that bugs me is the labs that will leave them uncut charge like a dollar or something for that? Seems odd to charge for doing less work. Not sure there reasoning but I mostly develop all my own black and white & most if not all color if I have time.
Done. Just ordered mine. The simple truth is that it is not necessary but it sure would reduce my stress at cutting. Never had much of an issue but always worried about it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Agreed. Think you will really like this. Very well thought out machine
Thanks for the video. This would be handy for film from my Leica IIIf which has very tight spacing and I almost always slice a frame edge. Film from my Canon cameras is usually easy enough with scissors, altho my eyes are aging!
Still have limited rolls but think it would work very well for that. The only problem I see is when you have a frame that overlaps for whatever reason but nothing will really help you then. I think my eyes are playing a factor as well.
My problem with this cutter is that the transport roller is not fixed in place. This means that your negative strip has to be dragged across a horizontal surface. This mean dust and scratches. I prefer to cut my negative while they are still hanging from the clip in the drying position.
Great hint, great tool, but got to be a bit careful with the film indicators. 6x6 for instance is a bit too far our which causes to cut in the next picture. But otherwise fantastic to have a tool to cut 135 and 120 film.
Yes I've found that any misaligned spacing you have to be a bit more carefull as well. But it is really easy to see precisely where it will cut. So great point.
I need to get one of these, don't know how many times I've nicked the edge of a picture trying to cut it with a pair of scissors!
Sucks when this happens. Go through all the work to mess one up at the very end.
Perfect squarnes can be nice if your scanner negative holders need it. Mine works well enough with what I get with scissors. I've only once cut into a frame (with 35mm), never with larger formats.
35 mm has been the main one I’ve messed up. So I def agree with you.
That's an awesome cutter! I share the frustration with using the scissors, the frame spacing is so small that it is difficult to cut exactly where you want to. If my volume of processing was higher I'd get this in one hot minute.
My biggest problem is getting a good view of the actual cut. Always just thought there must be a better way 🤷🏻♂️
Yep, I’m almost blind in one eye and my depth perception is crap, so using scissors to cut between frames has always been a gamble for me. This is a great solution for a very fair price.
Thanks, agree fully 👍
Thanks i needed that longtime
Your welcome!
Devices like these make things much easier. I have a different model that is self illuminated and enjoy it. Take care.
Yes they do, This is the first one I had heard of or seen!
@@Distphoto Mine is a JJC Slide Film Cutter.
The idea of cutting while scanning is so good. So good.
I went to purchase this after watching your clip but with shipping via DHL from Germany to Canada the total comes to almost $91.00 CAD.
Which is about $30 more expensive than the Matin cutter I can order off Jeff Bezos and have delivered early next week.
I don’t want to support Jeff but $30 is 1/4 of a roll of Portra nowadays up here. 😂 well not quite but it’s film we could be shooting. I’ve emailed to see if they have other shipping options and I’ll update this when I hear back from them
Please keep us posted. I know they are trying to get distribution over here but it just takes time.
@@Distphoto I emailed and asked about cheaper shipping options and they confirmed that it’s the cheapest option at the moment.
This is directly from the email “But we are setting up a cooperation with some dealers in the USA at the moment to send the Film Killer also to Canada. This will be cheaper but this option will be available in maybe 3 months”. Here’s hoping!
Looks like a good idea, but one huge issue I see right away is that it counts on precise spacing between frames. My 35mm cameras are pretty good at consistent spacing, but my MF cameras (especially my old MF folders) are not.
This has been brought up. I have similar cameras and does not really seem to be an issue. Also, I will take note going in and be a bit more careful if the framing looks real bad. Not difficult to make a slight adjustment where needed. It does not auto cut or anything
Yep, pre-ordered it before it was available - it works like a charm, and it is worth every € (or whatever currency is used ;-)). Just perfect for the job it's made for (and scissors are much, much worse)! Very well built. Oh, and to those complaining about shipping cost from Germany/Europe - we have the same problem with things we order from GB, Canada or the US … somehow shipping costs are way out of proportion for small businesses for several years …
Not having it's own light source is a good thing in my regards, because it's one possible failure point removed, and I need a light table anyways.
Thanks for the feedback and experience! I have shipped small things oversees and you are right something always seems off from what I as a small business have to pay comparatively speaking. Not sure if there is an easy solution but one is needed for sure.
That looks like a movie film editors cutter. But for the price. I’m buying it.
Less anxiety when cutting film is a plus in my eyes.
I know a good shrink
I'm more impressed than I thought I would be
A shrink aint gonna help when your films all messed up 😂
@@chriscard6544 😂 but I bet this is cheaper .
@@Distphoto ok, I use mainly sheet films
Elegant solution
Agreed.
I use a similar product for years now.
Nice 👍 wish I’d known this was a thing…
What is your assessment of the sharpness of the blade? There is a similar product made by another company with very similar transport mechanism but the blade dulled after only a few rolls of 120. Now it's basically just crushing not cutting the film.
It cuts really well. I cannot speak to its longevity but seems like it would hold up well. Have run 6 rolls of 35mm and two 120 and the last cut was just as crisp as the first.
hei robert! what is the other product with similar transport mechanism? thx!
I usually screw up cutting a frame every couple of rolls. 35mm and 120 for $50 USD it's a no brainer for me.
That’s the way I see it. Especially since it’s been my experience that it is a favorite image 🤬
@@Distphoto ordered one today
Doesn't appear to be available in Australia. Back to using my teeth I guess.
Bummer, you could reach out to them and see if they plan on expanding your way?
проблема возникает при резке плёнки с неравномерными промежутками между кадрами, отснятыми на винтажных фотоаппаратах. С Nikon F6 нет проблем, а со старыми дальномерными камерами есть. Купил китайский резак, где хорошо видна линия разреза.
I was thinking about this and I think in the case where the spacing is really wacky you might need a different approach but you would know that going in. Most if not all of my cameras would be fine nearly all of the time. But your right definitely something to consider 👍
I screw up cutting negatives every F’ing time.
Seems so simple. “Cut here”. But somehow I mess it up too 😬
be brave, say the truth. We all know you have to pay your bills and you know yourself that we dont care of that product, we all use scissors.
I do have to pay my bills no doubt. But am not making a penny off of this. I can say I love supporting film companies and innovators and helping them pay their bills is worthwhile to me because I value what they do. The R&D Time Energy and cost hey put into this should not go unnoticed in my opinion. I do think this is a great product and would not say that if I did not mean it.
@@Distphoto but do you keep the product or do you send them back ?
@@chriscard6544 they gave me the Film Killer hardly going to pay my bills
You're trying to stir up such a non-situation. A photographer tried and liked some gear, gave reasons for why. So what?
And I say this knowing well that I'll stick to my scissors....
I had in mind the same. I use scissors my whole photographic life. Sharp with long blades. I have never cut into the frame.
This device has one major isue. If you use it on film which was shot in some modern camera, it will be be probably fine, but old mechanical cameras, especialy when they weren't serviced or greased long time, the spaces between the frames doesn't have to be the same size, so if you roll the film on the marking on the Film Killer, the blade hasn't to be exactly over the frame space. And for that price...it's not worth.