In article <42nbrk$7fvo@tigger.cc.uic.edu>, u18409@uicvm.cc.uic.edu says...
>I am looking into rolling my own Tri-X film from bulk rolls. (..) >What, in your opinion, are the pros and cons? I am doing it mainly
>to cut down on my expenses.

Pros: Lower-priced film, custom roll-lengths possible, large film stock in a small space possible.
Cons: Higher start-up costs, potential for scratches and dust if equipment and technique are not sufficiently good, possible loss of cartridges if you do not process your own film.
You need a loader (one with an "air" trap - not a felt trap) - I like
the Alden, which is similar to the older-style Watson (more compact,
and a shorter fogged film end than the current Watson [WHY do companies
"improve" things that are best left alone?!]); cartridges - I like
Kodak's, but others are good (note which cartridges scratch film with
the first use, and carefully clean them and try again, or discard
them); a blower (avoid "canned air"!!!!) - I like a large hand bulb
type (without brush) offered by Ritz and others (use it a lot, everywhere!); tape - I like 3/4" masking tape, but other types work
well; and a good sense of cleanliness. With a bit of practice, you
will roll film as well as the manufacturers! (BTW, some auto-load
cameras load home-loaded film more reliably if the film end is cut
straight across instead of having a tongue. You may also need to add
a bit of inward curl to the film that pre-loaded film has, but home-loaded film may not have. Also, I like 35 exposure loads so they will fit properly on 8x10 contacts, but the frame counters are not accurate, though they are fairly consistent with some experience.)
Hope this Helps.)