FCK127 / 120 to 127 film cutter

FCK127 Film Cutter: cut 120 film to 127 format.

FCK127 is a complete kit that cuts 120 film to the size of 127, and rolls it onto a 127 film spool. This film cutter is designed to convert 120 film into 127 format (with the additional possibility of obtaining a usable 16mm strip from the same roll). FCK127 is light-sealed, so you can go through the entire process in light.

The FCK127 is available in two configurations:

• 127+ 16 utilizes the full width of the film to produce a 127 film strip and an additional strip compatible with 16mm cameras.
• 127 ONLY cuts a single strip in 127 format, centered in the 120 roll.

In both versions, users can choose between a knob or a crank for the film advancement mechanism.

The components required for the two phases—cutting and winding—are grouped by color. This chromatic coding simplifies the workflow, providing a clear visual reference of which parts to utilize first and which to use subsequently. The crank, knob, and clips, may come in different colors. These components are excluded from the color-coding system as their functionality is very intuitive.

kit’s components

• BOX  used with different components while cutting and respooling
• SLITTING PARTS (phase 1: cutter, ruler, feeders)
• RESPOOLING PARTS (phase 2: respooler, film guide)
• KNOB or CRANK (for pulling the film in through the cutter)
• CLIPS (keeps the film on the spool while handling)

You’ll aslo need an empty 120 spool for the initial cutting process.

The ‘127 + 16’ configuration

With the combined 127 + 16 configuration, the cutter produces a 127 strip measuring approximately 46mm, while preserving a correctly sized 16mm strip from the remaining portion of the 120 roll.

This setup offers a balanced compromise between dimensional accuracy and versatility. The 127 film works reliably in cameras thanks to the exposure frame being narrower than the film itself, and the spare 16mm strip remains fully usable. This configuration is particularly suitable for photographers who wish to maximize material efficiency and work with both 127 and 16mm formats from a single roll of 120 film.

Note that the film will have the preprinted writings along the borders that may be partly visible in final photos, like in the picture below. That’s because the whole width of the 120 film is used.

 

The ‘127 only’ configuration

The dedicated 127 only cutting module follows a different philosophy. In this version, the strip is cut from the center of the 120 film, producing a true 47mm-wide 127 film.

This approach delivers a dimensionally accurate 127 strip that will satisfy photographers who prefer strict adherence to standard format width. The trade-off is that two side strips are generated as leftovers and are not usable.

This version is ideal for users who prioritize maximum 127 precision over material recovery, and who prefer a format-specific solution designed exclusively for the best possible 127 result.

 

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Cutting & respooling

Cutting and Spooling happen in two different phases. You will also need a sharp cutter and adhesive tape along the process.

Any of these steps will be explained in details in the following section of the page. Or just watch the video below… The voice is in Italian but you get English subtitles.

 

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Phase 1: Slitting

The process begins by preparing the 120 film for the cutting module.

1. Unroll approximately 10cm (4in) of the backing paper, secure the roll with the clip, and use the provided shaped ruler to trim the leader into “tails” for the feeders. Do this on the black side of the backing paper.
2. Once trimmed, insert the film tails in the cutting module and pull them gently together to cut 2-3 inches (5-7cm).
3. Then insert the film tails into the feeder and insert the feeder in the 120 spool’s slot. Roll clockwise manually for a couple of turns until they are well engaged.
4. Now, place the 120 film roll, the cutting module, and the take-up spool vertically into their specific slots (see picture below). Make sure each part is aligned correctly with its joints. Once they are in place, remove the clip from the film roll so all three components can settle into their final positions.
5. Now, close the box with the lid and insert the knob so it engages with the spool. If you have the lid with crank, make sure the winding key aligns with the spool slot as you close it. Begin turning clockwise, following the direction of the engraved arrow.
6. Keep turning at a moderate speed. You will feel some resistance early on; this is normal, as it means you’ve reached the start of the film where it is taped to the backing paper. Continue turning until the end of the roll, which you’ll recognize when the knob begins to spin freely.
7. Open the box and slowly extract the take-up spool. Use the clips to secure the film strips on the spool.

 

This is the correct layout: the film roll on the left, the cutter in the middle, the take-up spool on the right.

 

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PHASE 2: Respooling

After slitting, the film must be transferred to a 127-specific spool.

1. Take everything out of the box. Use the clips to secure the cut film on the roll to keep it from unravelling.
2. Insert the film guide in place of the cutter.
3. Mount an empty 127 spool into the respooler’s frame.
4. Unwind the slitted 127 strip until the film emulsion just pops out of the roll; apply a bit of adhesive tape to stitch the film start to the backing paper.
5. Trim the paper leader into a “V” profile, insert it into the 127 spool core, and rotate the winding knob a couple of times to engage the paper to the spool.
6. Place the film roll and the respooler into the box, threading the film through the slot in the film guide. Ensure everything is oriented exactly as shown in the image below.
7. Close the lid and start turning the knob in the direction of the arrow until the film is finished.
8. Take out the respooler and retrieve the 127 roll.

To make the roll thinner, it is recommended to pull the tail of the backing paper to tighten the film layers. This slightly reduces the diameter, making it easier to fit the roll into compact cameras like the Kodak Vest Pocket.

 

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Shooting

If you use the ‘127 only’ configuration and your camera is the 4×6 format, the numbers on the backing paper will align perfectly with the red window on the back of the camera. With this setup, you will get 12 shots per roll.

 

 

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Want to try more film formats?

The Maxy Cutter Kit offers a flexible system to slit 120 film into various formats and sizes.  Since it uses the same box, knob, crank, and clips as the FCK127, you can expand your kit by adding single items. Have a check!

Some interesting notes

BLADES The blade used in the cutting module is a section of a normal 18mm cutter blade: it’ll be easy to find new spare blades when you’ll need. To replace the blade unscrew the top bolt and carefully take the blade out. Insert a new one in the same position and fix it again with the screw. Be very careful not to cut yourself!

127 ROLL’S DIAMETER Some cameras that have a very small film slot, like the Kodak Vest Pocket, will hardly accept the 127 film cut from 120. In fact, 120 film emulsion is ~23cm (9 inches) longer than 127, so the resulting roll will be thicker than originals. You can minimize the amount of backing paper on both sides, just to make its final size a little thinner. Also, pulling the tail of the backing paper will tighten the strip around the spool, but be careful not to tear the paper apart.

SPOOLS The kit does not include any empty 127 spool. You need at least 2 spools to shoot in your camera: one with your freshly cut 127 film, and one as the take-up spool. The FCK127 also accepts the 127 spools that have a single ridged slot on one side, like the spool that come with ReraPan films and some Kodak spools have a normal solid pin on one side, with no ridges. Nevertheless, it’s better to use full metal spools if you have them.