Film loose when loading reel

[Fellipe de Paula]

I bought a plastic tank (brand: AP) but I can't load the film (training / daylight) into the plastic reel. I insert the beginning of the film roll and when I start to "twist" the reel the film doesn't start to roll inside, it's loose...

Any help?

 

[Anon Ymous]

Check the ball bearings. AP (and Paterson) reels have one metallic ball at each side of the reel, very close to the insertion point.

 

[Fellipe de Paula]

Yes, I can see those tiny metallic balls. What should I do with them?

 

[shotgun1a]

Make sure that the balls aren't out of place somehow, and make sure you push the film leader past them before you start to crank the reel.

 

[Anon Ymous]

Well, if they're there, there has to be something else probably. Did you cut the leader (tongue) of the film? If not do it. It's not exactly important, but it can cause problems. You should also cut the resulting pointy edges of the film. These might cause problems as well. And the most important thing: make sure the reel is 100% dry. Film can easily jam if there is even a bit of humidity on the reel.

 

[Fellipe de Paula]

Just to make sure, is this a very "slow" process? I mean, the film is going inside a bit at a time...

 

[DLawson]

Just to make sure, is this a very "slow" process? I mean, the film is going inside a bit at a time...

With my Paterson reel, it takes in about an inch per iteration. It certainly feels like it takes longer than it should, but I'm comparing with memories that have been sitting for 10 years.

You can also push the film into the reel. That's (almost) all the ball bearings are doing anyway.

 

[Mtnvue]

What size of film are you trying to load? I have no problems with my 35mm if I cut the leader off. But when I process 120, I have found that if I peal the tape off from the paper backing and leave it attached to the film, I can then fold it over so there is a leading edge with the tape folded over the film. This seems to make it easier to load the 120 film for me.

 

[J Rollinger]

The length of time its taking you to get the film through sounds like the reel is either dirty or wet. Check for moisture.

 

[fotch]

If you can observe the ball bearings, you should see that when you wind the reel toward you, the ball bearing rides up allowing it to slip pass the film, then when you wind the reel away from you, the ball bearing jams or grabs the edge of the film pushing it forward.

Each reel is always going in the opposite direction so at pass/grab action keeps going back and forth, like a person walking. So, you are trying to walk the film on the reel.

Some older models had no ball bearings and the user would provide this function with their thumbs.

You normally start the process by sliding the film onto the reel, pass the ball bearings as far as you can, usually several inches, then start the walk.

Also, clip the corners off the leading edge so they don't jam into the plastic. As others stated, reels must be totally clean & dry.

Hope this helps.

 

[fotch]

Also, if it is going right, will only take a minute or so.