Beginner Questions - Processing B&W Film

i usually mix up stock solution of ID-11 and store in brown bottles until i'm ready to use it (usually the same day). i only dilute when i'm ready to process and leave the half-full bottle of stock solution until i'm ready for the next batch. even a half-full bottle of stock will last a few days until you're ready to process your next batch. i've gone as long as a week without any ill effects.

i can do 2x 120 reels in my tank and try to stick with the same film shot at the same ISO. the results are always good.

Darren Guy said:

That's good to know. I actually ordered a used SS tank that came with those reels last weekend - 2 35 and 1 120.

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Compared with SS reels, I find that plastic reels are easier to get started, but harder to load. My problem is they require three hands: one to hold the left spiral, one to hold the right spiral, and the third to hold the roll. Steel reels only require two hands: one for the reel, and one for the film.

Practice loading steel reels a few times with a scrap roll until you can confidently load it without looking. You'll learn how to feed the film into the reel with the correct amount of drag and arc. Here's a trick: Once every half rotation of the reel, gently push and pull the film. If it's loading correctly, it'll move in and out of the reel a certain distance, because it has some slack sitting in the spiral. But if it's jumped a track, it won't move in and out.

For a used reel: Check it carefully for being bent. Use a piece of film to measure the distance at the ends of the four pairs of struts. For reels, it might be best to simply buy new Hewes reels from Freestyle Photo in Hollywood, a short drive from where you live.

Mark Overton