Im new to this and have a kodak vigilant six-20

[q3w3e3]

Film Photography Project | An Internet Radio Show & On-Line Resource for Film Shooters Worldwide respools and sells 120 film to fit 620 cameras, their prices are usually pretty good.

is it worth it to do that instead of just trimming a 120 spool?

 

[q3w3e3]

Kodak Tri-X 400 or Ilford HP5+ 400. Both are great films not only for beginners but even after you figure out what you're doing

would an F:4.5 105mm (60mm equiv lens) be hand holdable with an ASA 100 film?

 

[compur]

is it worth it to do that instead of just trimming a 120 spool?

I find trimming the spools to be easier but that's just me. To some degree it depends on the camera too. With some cameras all you need to do is trim around the edge of the spool flanges (the circular end parts) with a clipper and away you go.

With other cameras you also need to sand down or otherwise thin down the flanges themselves like this (trimmed spool on right):

With some cameras there is enough room to just trim the flange edges but with others there is no extra room and you must thin them down as well or the roll won't fit in the chamber. I use an electrician's clipper to trim the flanges and an electric sander or Dremel tool to thin them down. It's pretty quick and easy.

Here is a trimmed 120 roll in my 620 Kodak Medalist II camera:

Make sure you remove any dust from your trimming efforts before loading the film.

Of course, you will still need a 620 spool for the take-up side. Since you'll be processing your own film it will be easy for you to keep track of your 620 spools. Whereas if you sent the film to a lab they might get lost.

The original 120 spools had metal flanges so few people could so easily trim them back then but the switch to plastic years ago makes it fairly easy to do now.

 

[limr]

I don't deal with 620 cameras myself, but I was just relating this thread to my boyfriend who does have a couple of Brownies, and he said pretty much the same thing as compur: trimming is easy and quick. We've established a relationship with the guys that work at a local camera shop so they're good about returning the 620 spool.

But it's good to know that the FPP is respooling - good in a pinch.