13th Frame: Photographer’s Dozen
Once upon a time, while developing my films, it occurred to me that the 120 film, which typically takes 12 6x6 shots, is actually long enough to take 13 shots (not Foma or Lomo Metropolis though). That day, the 120 film threw down the gauntlet, and I didn't hesitate for a second before picking it up.
I started experimenting with my Hasselblad 500CM and Rolleicord Va II
Hasselblad 500 CM
Hasselblad 500CM is kind of “programmed” for 12 shots. Once the counter hits 12, you can’t take any more shots, as the shutter button gets locked. It’s easier to get a 13th frame with Hasselblad’s old film backs (which have a rear window that allows you to see the frame numbers printed on the film’s backing paper.) But since I have automatic backs, I wanted to see if it’s possible to get that extra 13th frame with them.
When experimenting, I quickly discovered that no matter what I did, the shutter button would not unlock unless the counter was reset. This meant the spool holder had to be removed from the magazine, risking film exposure to light. However, the holder doesn’t have to be fully removed to reset the counter — just moved slightly out. This procedure, however must be done in absolute darkness. I did this by covering the camera with my jacket or anything I had at hand, sometimes inside my camera bag.
Once the counter is reset, reinsert the spool holder, and take a shot. I found it worked best to reset the counter after taking the first shot instead of the last one. However, a 13th frame was never guaranteed to be a full frame. The process can be hit or miss, with the 13th frame often ending up cropped.
Hasselblad 500CM - Film loading position
Loading position: When loading the film onto the spool, stop the black arrow on the backing paper roughly 2 cm (90 degree) short of the red indicator mark on the spool holder — see the image above. This will start the first frame closer to the film’s beginning and create extra space at the end.
Different films have different lengths. HP5 Plus and FP4 Plus are perfect, while Foma and Lomo Metropolis are much shorter, so you won’t get a 13th frame. Funny enough, when I loaded Lomo Metropolis and lined up the back arrow with the indicator marks, the 12th frame got cropped. Really disappointing.
Getting a 13th frame with the 500CM was an interesting experiment. But because it involves removing the spool (which is not a big deal in itself) and risking ruining the film (that’s a bigger deal), I never shoot to get 13 frames with my Hasselblad… But it can be done if need be!
Rolleicord Va II
This is the perfect camera (along with all other Rolleicord models) to capture 13 frames. It reliably produces 13 frames whenever desired, using Ilford FP4 Plus or HP5 Plus (my main film stock). The results are consistent, although the spacing between the frames can become rather random, which isn't a problem at all.
Rolleicord Va II - Film loading position
Here’s what to do:
Loading Position: Load the film and line up the black arrows on the backing paper with the guide roll where the film path changes direction, or 5 to 10 millimetres before the guide roll — see the image above. The exact position is determined by trial and error. As with the Hasselblad, this will start the first frame closer to the film’s beginning and create extra space at the end.
Close the back, wind the film, and shoot as usual.
Once all 12 frames have been shot, follow these steps:
Advance the film until the circle with the dot appears in the counter window, then advance a little bit more—a few millimetres. This also needs to be determined by trial and error.
Move the double exposure lever to the double exposure position. This lets the shutter be cocked, which can't be done after shooting the 12th frame.
Press the shutter release lever to take the 13th shot.
That’s it. Just remember to switch off the double exposure afterwards to avoid unwanted multiple exposures.
Photographer’s Dozen - Ilford FP4 Plus
To keep in mind:
The first frame might overlap with the tape that secures the film to the backing paper if you start the roll too far back.
The 13th frame may sometimes be cropped if the film is wound too far, loaded past the guide roll, or aligned with the indicator marks.
You just need to experiment a bit. Once you get the hang of it, you shouldn’t have any problems getting 13 frames every time using the Rolleicord. It does take some trial and error, but not much, especially if your choice of film stock is not huge.
Happy shooting, creative soul!
