How to Load the Ansco Shurshot 120 Box Camera

[@Xoxocooks]

This video was just my gateway into your channel, as I seek information about this camera. You gave me the confidence to pop open the front to clean up the glass, and load up a roll of Ektar 100. I love coming into old cameras and figuring out how to make pictures with them. I don't love endlessly troubleshooting and testing, or developing at home, so I greatly appreciate the time you put in to shoot 5 rolls and measure the negatives and tell me how many times to turn it to get safe distance between exposures! :) Also thanks for the tip about the electric tape over the red window. Helpful all around, and I look forward to digging around your channel.

[@filmismorefun]

@@Xoxocooks Thanks for all the kind words, I'm happy to hear you're finding the videos helpful! 🙂

[@christina_21700]

Thank you for this, I just recently got one of these cameras in a mystery box. And knew nothing about them until this & your other video. 🎞

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Christina! You're very welcome. I'm glad you found the videos helpful! 🙂

[@jej3films]

Just subbed! I have a collection of old cameras that I would love to ry out, and this video is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@filmismorefun]

Hey! I'm glad the video was helpful 🙂

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Hey there -- I just got an Ansco Shur-Shot Jr and been looking up videos on it and similar cameras and online articles. It turns out that the latest Kodak 120 films don't have the 6x9 frame numbers in the right row to show through the frame # window on the back of the Ansco cameras -- but other manufacturers do (there really should be three rows of the 6x9 frame numbers) -- so if you use Ilford, Fuji, Lomography and others, those frame numbers should work with your camera.

[@filmismorefun]

No kidding? Thanks for the info that's good to know! Funny you should mention about the numbers not lining up, because I just acquired a brownie, and just found out an hour ago when I loaded it that Kodak films aren't lining up in the brownie window, either. Weird.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

@@filmismorefun -- yeah -- there are some good articles online and even someone who took the paper backing from various film companies and types and photographed them and posted online. You can see where the different frame numbers are printed for the different formats (6x9 like the Ansco, 6x7 (Brownie?), 6x4.5) -- and some companies have all of them covered, but Kodak started dropping some to help prevent ink bleedthrough from the paper to the film -- but obviously somehow Kodak *forgot* about all of the various formats and cameras out there which needed the numbers in the different spots! Arghh -- Kodak!!!! Yeah -- so for now I have not ordered any Kodak 120 for my Shur-Shot Jr -- but I'd love to try some Ektar 100 and Portra 160 once I memorize how many turns-per-frame....

[@filmismorefun]

@@aengusmacnaughton1375 I'll have to check for that online, thanks. If I remember correctly I was doing 4 half turns which gives a little extra gap between the frames, but I was experiencing some overlap every now and then, so it's rather be safe and sacrifice 1 shot to save the rest. 🙂

[@ganzonomy]

My brownie no. 2 model f has even kodak film line up with the red circle. But it's interesting how kodak film doesn't line up with the ansco. Perhaps a small and subtle vestige of when kodak tried to force consumers to use their 620 film by making 620 cameras? Our film, our boxes...

[@dangerpowers123]

Looks a fun camera. I've used something similar and old box brownie by kodak and it gets fun reactions from people so then more fun portraits

[@filmismorefun]

Film Camera Reviews Yeah it's pretty much like a brownie, same concept. Your right, it does get funny reactions after they realize it's a camera and I'm not just walking and pointing a box at stuff hahaha! Although the Ansco has a kind of far minimum focus distance of 10', so it's not the best for portraits.

[@renemies78]

Thank you for this 2nd video. Groovy.

[@filmismorefun]

You bet. 🤘

[@Brickxbronson]

I know this video is years old but I’ve been putting notes on my camera to make it as foolproof as I can. How many full turns do you think you need to make sure you’re fully onto the actual film emulsion when loading? That way I can avoid going solely based on feeling for the added resistance. And do you know if Fomapan would line up with the viewing window, or just the brands mentioned in other comments?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there. I *think* it's three turns, but can't recall for sure. I have another video on the Sureshot where I believe I noted that. That video should be in the 'film cameras' playlist. I hope that helps!

[@SO_DIGITAL]

Thanks to you, my pictures came out perfect!

[@filmismorefun]

That's awesome! You're welcome

[@MrPisster]

I have this exact model. I've seen conflicting information about if the front can come off or if it's riveted down. I see the two posts on the side but there isn't much flex in the metal. I don't want to be too aggressive, but I would like to get the front off to clean it.

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there. Mine has rivets on the front as well, and two small pins on the side. My guess is that if you were to slide a flat screwdriver under the metal 'ear' to lift it from the capture pin the front would come off. Do this at your own risk though, because I've never needed to take the front of myself. 🙂

[@EClaire.1073]

Hi, I just bought a different version of the Shur Shot and yes the front does come off. It's just held on by some metal pegs and loops, so if you bend the loops a little bit you can take the front off to clean the glass and mirrors

[@filmismorefun]

Thanks for confirming that.

[@painting-with-Jenni]

I have this same camera and I have used Illford, Fuji and Ultrafine film and I see the numbers just fine in the window.

[@filmismorefun]

Really? Thanks for the info. I guess those align differently than the Kodak placement maybe.

[@painting-with-Jenni]

@@filmismorefun I don't know, I have never tried Kodak film in this camera. I wonder if your window is misaligned.

[@lrcopeland09]

Is there a special procedure to remove the exposed film? I have never used an open roll of film like this. Thanks

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there. Nope, you basically use the same procedure as you would when loading the film, but in reverse, and the spool is just on the opposite side.

[@lrcopeland09]

@@filmismorefun Thank you. I was just given this camera. I am going to try it out.

[@NickG123]

Once your done just pop out the full spool, then the empty spool goes in the take up spot, then the film stays on the take up spool when you take it out and you bring it to develop...

[@looneyburgmusic]

@@filmismorefun But what then keeps the exposed film from being destroyed by light?

[@scsu5085]

- - - - - LOVE this camera. I just got mine. While cleaning it (gently) on the front, I somehow disengaged the shutter button It doesn't click open any more, part of the black apeture doesn't open to allow light into camera. Any ideas? Do you have a video of dissassmbly perhaps?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there! I'm making a video on disassembly for you today, hopefully will be able to post it tomorrow.

[@scsu5085]

@@filmismorefun Something occurred to me, are the 'rollers' to secure the film from bowing via placing the film under them, or does it go over top of them (as you show it) and assist in smoother rolling?

[@filmismorefun]

@@scsu5085 the film should go over top of the rollers so there is less tension with an advancing the film.

[@tylerstrand8583]

Hey Chris, I just picked up this exact model of camera, and everything seems to be in good shape. There’s no film in this camera atm but when I go to twist the knob on the side it seems to be difficult to move, and I’m too afraid to apply more pressure for fear of breaking the knob, is a lot of tension normal for these knobs? For clarity I’ve not moved it forward at all, it just seems to have a tension that makes me weary of trying to make it move.

[@filmismorefun]

Hey Tyler. What position is the advance knob in, pulled out or pushed in? It should spin freely, but if it's in a weird middle position it might be catching on the empty spool or the case if it's not aligned properly.

[@tylerstrand8583]

⁠​⁠@@filmismorefun what’s odd is wether the advance knob is pulled out or pushed in it doesn’t seem to rotate with ease, it feels like it has high tension and won’t rotate, it even also sort of clicks back with what little tension I apply. Even when I take out the spool holder within the camera it still is not not moving wether pushed in or pulled out. Is it just broken somehow? It’s strange because the mechanism seems so simple, you can obviously see it even from within so I don’t know what would be contributing to it having this tension. The camera otherwise looks to be in great condition, better than most I see online, and that makes it all the more frustrating. Also thank you so much for your responses this helps, as there’s not many people I can turn to for these sorts of questions.

[@filmismorefun]

​@@tylerstrand8583 Yeah, that's weird. Especially since there isn't any spool to attribute to tension or the binding. It sounds like something is out of alignment with the mechanics of the knob. Maybe the way that the knob is captured in place (like a clip or ring holding it together) is twisted somehow. I'll dig mine out of the closet and take a look. I haven't shot it in a while and that will give me a reason to get it out and about again.

[@tylerstrand8583]

@@filmismorefun with a little bit of impatience, force, and wd40, I think we have a fix on my end! Must have been a rust issue of some type slowing it up!

[@filmismorefun]

That's awesome! Glad to hear it's working now. Sometimes a little forced persuasion is the best cure haha.

[@gawainian977]

Whats the best way to clean the body of the camera?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Bryce. I'm not really sure the best way, but I wouldn't do too much more than wiping a damp cloth and water. You may want to avoid cleaning the shutter mechanism with anything but compressed air. If you find something that works really well otherwise please let me know!

[@SO_DIGITAL]

Does the shutter mechanism require any servicing if it still works/clicks? I got the camera from a junkshop. Should I clean the lens, if so how?

[@filmismorefun]

I'm not sure that there could be any servicing to the shutter as it's only a spring, but the lens could be cleaned with some rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth. You could use a shutter tester to see where the speed is and adjust your exposures accordingly. I hope that helps!

[@gails7987]

Thanks. Where can i buy the film and have it processed?

[@filmismorefun]

@@gails7987bhphoto.com sells 120 film, and it can be processed at thedarkroom.com

[@JaspalSingh-r8i]

Hey. I need some. I have this same camera but don't know where to buy the films.

[@filmismorefun]

@@JaspalSingh-r8i Hi. There are links in the description to 120 film of you need them.

[@pepperonimacaroni5901]

Is it difficult to find 120 film? Where is the best place to get them? Thanks

[@filmismorefun]

Hey there! Two places you might want to try are www.bhphoto.com or www.freestylephoto.biz 🙂

[@pepperonimacaroni5901]

Thanks for the help, much appreciated

[@filmismorefun]

@@pepperonimacaroni5901 No prob!

[@SO_DIGITAL]

I see you use ISO100 film. What ISO ranges would this camera accept?

[@filmismorefun]

It can use any ISO film. You want to adjust the film speed for the light conditions that you're shooting in. 100 for a bright sunny day, 400 for overcast. You may even be able to shoot indoors if it's well-lit enough and you use 800. I hope that helps!

[@SO_DIGITAL]

@@filmismorefun Great video. I watched it so carefully several times now. Especially how much you need to turn the knob. Thank you.

[@filmismorefun]

@@SO_DIGITAL I'm glad to hear that it was helpful! 🙂

[@brendonianten682]

So when we take it out to be developed, we can open the back up after twisting the knob through all of the film? And then what do we do?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi there. Yep, once you have advanced all the way, the film will be transferred to the take-up spool. You can then open the back of the camera, and remove the roll. Either use the wrap connected to the roll or use some tape to keep the roll closed tightly before sending it off to be developed. 🙂

[@charlessekafetz5487]

Thank you. This helps with my new-to-me Clix 120. Now to get my film.

[@filmismorefun]

Awesome! Have fun 🙂

[@dylanrank361]

How do you take a picture with it?

[@filmismorefun]

Hi Dylan. I have review on this camera where I show explain how to shoot with it.

[@atribecalledfilm]

We need an update video on this lol I just got one

[@filmismorefun]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHmxl2ion72skK8 🙂