120 Steel Reel Please

cherryrig

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Does anyone have a 120 steel reel that they don't want/use any more as a guy at work just gave me some developing stuff and it had a steel tank (Kindermann) , but the steel reel wasn't to be seen I found the book but no reel!

Let us know, thanks guys

Also guys I'm living in the UK (England) so hopefully there are some UK heads around with one
 

David A. Goldfarb

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Buy a new Hewes reel. They're excellent reels, and with a new one, you can be sure it isn't bent.
 
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cherryrig

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Yea I've been looking at a Hewes reel actually. £20 for a new one which isn't bad. It's a clip in the middle yea? As the Kindermann on the 35mm's that I have, have a spike to hold the film
 
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cherryrig

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Is there much between different brands of steel reels then?? Like Hewes and say a unbranded one? Both the same really aren't they?
 

SuzanneR

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Actually, I think the Hewes reels are more precisely and finely manufactured than cheaper reels. I always find them easier to load than the one or two odd ones I picked up for not much here and there. I never use those cheaper one's for client work. I haven't *knock wood* had a problem necessarily with the cheaper reels, but it always takes a little more cajoling to get the film on properly, and if I ever load it improperly...it's inevitably on one of the lesser reels I have.

YMMV, of course.
 

chriscrawfordphoto

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I agree with Suzanne, and will add that the cheaper ones bend more easily if handled roughly. This applies more to 35mm reels than to 120 reels. 120 reels are made with much thicker metal and are a lot more durable than 35mm reels, and the space between the wires is greater so i find even cheap 120 reels easy to load and durable.
 
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cherryrig

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So I guess it is a bit better to get the Hewes one over the cheaper brands, but there is not much between them both then
 

jmcd

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"but there is not much between them both then"

The cheaper reels are a good value, and will do the job. They feel more fragile, and I find engaging the spring clip difficult, so usually bypass it.

The Hewes reels are much better made, and are a bargain at the price, considering the craftsmanship and precision and sturdiness involved. The spring clip is well designed and easy to use.From a users perspective, either will do. I find the Hewes easier to load properly, and they should last indefinitely.
 
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