automatic film loader?

[David A. Goldfarb]

Must be some auto-linking "feature" on the Adorama site. It actually is the same URL, but I guess since it's discontinued, they send the link to another page showing the 110 version as well. Anyway, I suspect Kindermann stuff isn't too rare on German eBay.

 

[Rick A]

My personal belief, bolstered by a conversation with an occupational therapist who specializes in hand modalities, is a self loading plastic reel, like the Paterson super system 4. If Ralph were to send me his address, I will happily send him the tank and reel set I have, and don't use. Ralph, if you are interrested, send me a PM.

 

[michaelbsc]

An old Agfa Rodinax for 35mm and one for 60 (120) they can be loaded by daylight and only require one hande to load and operate.

Baldige Besserung

Dominik

@Ralph,

I'm not sure if this is a solution you are interested in, but if so I have both 120 & 135 sizes you're welcome to experiment with. You can keep them until you either reject them as not workable or until you get back enough range of motion to return to your regular reels.

All they're doing right now is gathering dust. My wife would love to get them out of the way!

Michael

 

[tkamiya]

Ralph,

When you come back to Florida, I'll be glad to come over and help you with whatever you need. I'm only 1.5 hours away from you. In Germany, well, it's a tad too far.

 

[Henry Alive]

Welcome back, Ralph. All of us are very happy to have you here again. Keep working on recovery. You will get your mobility very soon.
Henry.

 

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning, Ralph Lambrecht, et al;

(1.) Ralph, welcome back. It is nice to read things from you again. I will admit that I did not know that you were not here. It is not easy to notice that something is not there or missing in many cases. There may have been a vague feeling of "something is missing," but "nothing that you could put your finger on." Your return has made me realize that it has been a while since we have read any postings from you. Again, nice to have you back.

(2.) The people of APUG have demonstrated to you, Ralph Lambrecht, and to me, just how responsive and compassionate they can be. The offers of suggestions or techniques to work around the loss of the use of your left arm at this time, the offers of equipment, the referrals to other devices to help with loading a reel, the offers to assist with film processing if only they can also be around to observe and learn; these are all surprising expressions of compassion from a group that consists of over 50,000 people whose main common interest is just photography. Perhaps the development of an eye or a vision for how a scene or a person will appear on a print has also enhanced our sensitivities in other ways. This outpouring has certainly impressed me.

People of APUG, I also thank you.

 

[PeterB]

There seems to be no shortage of info about the AGFA Rondinax daylight film processing tanks. Note the spelling of Rondinax as the original poster had a typo in it making it harder to search for.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

ssince my recent stroke, i'mparalized on the eft an d lst the functionslity of my left arm and hand.which makes it impossible for meto ooad my filmdevelopment reels. does anybody know of an automatic film loader?

this might judt push me over the dge to digital medium format , because,i also found out that my hasselblad is the only camerawhere ican exchange lenses one-habded

 

[PeterB]

this might judt push me over the dge to digital medium format , because,i also found out that my hasselblad is the only camerawhere ican exchange lenses one-habded

That is very funny Ralph

The day you abandon film will be when it is no longer made.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

i'm seriouThes room i cannot d nowo it with any other camera!

 

[PeterB]

Ralph is your Hassleblad a digital ? (the one you can exchange lenses on one-handed?)

 

[MattKing]

Ralph:

I change lenses one-handed with all my cameras.

I use neck-straps with all cameras, so this works even when the cameras are hand-held.

Contact me (pm or email) or post herein if you would like to discuss tips and techniques (I'm away for the rest of today).

 

[Diapositivo]

I agree with Matt, all camera lenses can be changed with one hand. Just use one finger to unlock the lens when dismounting it. When mounting it there is not even the need to press any button. I actually think that I normally use just one hand. That is probably a tripod habit that passed to hand-held activity. When not using a tripod the camera is either on the neck or on the bag and I change the lens "belly up" while keeping on the open bag, resting on the dividers. Typically I have the cap on the other hand. I often take out the cap from the rear bayonet while using only one hand, as well.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Ralph,
In another life I had a total loss in the use of my right arm and hand, I’m a righty. I eventually found the Jobo film loader 2505 and duo-set 2502 reel. You will also need the loading template for 35 or 60mm wide film, or both, if you intend to use both formats. I now have a fair bit of function in the right arm, took about 10 years.

Essentially the film loader 2505 can be screwed or bolted to a piece of timber or a table, which is what I did. The reel is adjusted to the correct width then inserted sideways onto the film loader, then locked in place. This is best done with the right hand, I turned it round and did this procedure with the left hand.

You then place the film guide in position, from then onwards it is reasonably simple in that you can one handed pull the film header through the film guide to the centre of the reel, like a S/S reel.

Now the tricky bit. You then use a template type of half a wheel, called the loading disc (I think that is it’s name) this is held in place by your right hand. It is with this loading disc that you turn the reel. At the same time it is best if you can hold the film under slight tension with a finger or part of a hand from your left hand/arm. Gravity is your best friend here. I used my left hand and did the procedure backwards using my dead right arm/hand to keep tension on the film.

Once the film is fully loaded you basically pull the loading disc off, then pull the loaded reel off and insert it into your Jobo tank.

The sheet film loader 2508 and the film reel 2509 is what you use for 4x5” sheet film, this is really easy to use single handed, either left or right.

The hardest thing I found, was pulling the paper off the film with regard to 120 film. I ended up cutting with an extremely sharp knife as I couldn’t use scissors left handed in that environment.

If you are using the Jobo rotary system, then I suggest the fitting of a lift will make things much easier for one handed operation. By this I mean the initial insertion of chemicals is easy and the lifting of the tank for emptying can be done in a controlled manner and with precise timing for the first and usually most important solution. Trying to get the tank off one handed is not the easiest procedure, especially if you are using the larger diameter tanks.

I have my Jobo instruction sheet that came with my reel and loader. It is A4 format, I can scan and send it to you, English or German, or both, your call.

Mick.

 

[removed account4]

hi ralph -

it is great to read your words again !
i also have a agfa tank, it hasn't been used since the 1970s, so i can't
say how well it works ( or doesn't work ) or if it leaks ( or doesn't leak ) but you
are welcome to it if you want.

best wishes for a full recovery !
john

 

[bdial]

These Jobo 2502 reels fit the print drums?

Ralph
I have two reels similar to the ones in this ebay listing and the reel that is pictured on the loader. You're welcome to them if they would be useful for you. I don't have a loader however.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...0544811&clk_rvr_id=253009061393#ht_668wt_1186