JJC 35mm Film Retriever, 135 Leader Film Retriever Picker, 35mm Film Extractor Puller Tools for 35mm Cassettes Safe Films with Lanyard (No Film Included)

It works! I'm taking a film class and loading film in the dark is a pain. With this device I can at least start loading the reel prior to finishing up in a daylight loading bag. This well built tool is definitely worth the few bucks.

Works well with a little practice

I have used several film retrievers over the years and this one works well with a modification to the process (following what I did with others brands). So largely following their instructions: 1) Retract both sliders 2) Insert all 3 "tongues" into the film cartridge 3) Slide the first slider all the way toward the cartridge 4) Rotate the spindle of the film cartridge slowly anti-clockwise and listed for a "click". STOP IMMEDIATELY, even a few degrees rotation after the click will reduce the chance of success. If you miss it on the first pass - no problem just keep going until you hear the click. I actually like to go round a few times to make sure I have stopped exactly on the click. 5) Move the second slider all the way toward the cartridge. 6) THIS IS NOT IN THE INSTRUCTIONS. Rotate the film spindle clockwise as far as it goes, like you are trying to push the film out the slot. Don't be shy turn with moderate force until it definitely will not turn any further. 7) Now slowly and gently slide the whole film retriever away from the cartridge. I usually curve down slightly as I do this. Even with the above it can take a few tries with some films, but with the above process I get it first try for most films. I hope this helps others. It can be quite frustrating when you keep trying with no success.

This is a heckuva lot better and easier than popping open the film canister in a lightproof bag. Good product, good instructions if you've never used one.

Works perfectly for retrieving the leader so you can develop your film and save your cartridge for bulk reloading. It is a little confusing at first, but once you understand how to use it then it’s super simple.

Works perfect for retrieving film from the canister! I use for home developing. Good quality and price. Easy to use once you get the hang!

I just tried this newfangled thingy and I have to say that I am VERY impressed with it. I was kind of skeptical, but I have purchased other products by JJC and they were good quality, so I gave it a try, and to me, tearing apart a film canister in the pitch black and keeping the film from rolling all over the place is a pain in the butt. Using the Film Retriever is a slightly complex process - requiring the insertion of three leads into the canister and a few steps to get the lead out, but the instructions are well written and the the thing WORKED LIKE A CHARM. The second time you do it, it will take maybe 30 seconds., and I'd much rather spool the film out of the canister than let if flop all over the floor, or surfaces or whatever you have in your darkroom. GOOD PRODUCT!!!

Film leader extractors typically are a pain to use. This one works, every time, period. Great design, just follow the instructions.