Getting Film of Reels

ColColt · Sep 4, 2015

I've noticed I have an ongoing problem getting developed film off the plastic Paterson reels without crinkling the film. When you turn the two sides in opposite directions to loosen the reels the end of the film wants to bunch up, creating a crease. I don't recall having this problem long ago when I did developing but having had a long period or lull since I did that I now seem to have the problem.

Any advice?

MattKing · Sep 4, 2015

You may be stopping the loading of the film too soon.

It should clear the ball bearings and then be pushed at least an inch further.

Then, when you are finished and rotate the reel in reverse to release the catch, the film will be clear of the bearings.

I prefer to have the reel sitting on its side on the counter and to lift off the released side.

ColColt · Sep 4, 2015

I keep ratcheting the two halves in the dark until I feel no more resistance as I'm loading the film. It's at that point I put the reel(s) inside the tank, close the top and cut the lights on. Maybe I need to go a bit further. With the plastic Paterson reels you have to turn in opposite directions for release.

DannL. · Sep 4, 2015

I only just purchased a Paterson Super System 4 tank at a thrift store yesterday. $3.99. I plan to use it tonight with 120. Is your trouble with 120 film? I've used dozens of other reel brands with 35mm and 120 with "minimal" trouble. Sometimes I simply pull the film out like a tape-measure, and other times I separate the reel into halves and then unroll the film. I just noticed, not having used this Paterson as of yet, that the reels are made from a white hard plastic. I may need to remove the ball bearings if they cause me any grief. I have no tolerance for BS.

ColColt · Sep 4, 2015

I haven't used it recently for 120 film, just 35. I wouldn't remove those ball bearings. Those help the film on the reel.

MattKing · Sep 4, 2015

ColColt said:
I keep ratcheting the two halves in the dark until I feel no more resistance as I'm loading the film. It's at that point I put the reel(s) inside the tank, close the top and cut the lights on. Maybe I need to go a bit further. With the plastic Paterson reels you have to turn in opposite directions for release.

Once you feel no more resistance, pish the film an inch or so further with your finger. It should move easily. If not, one of the ball bearings is still engaged with the sprockets on one side - want to avoid that.

ColColt · Sep 4, 2015

I got a little rusty with my film loading...it's been about 15 years. I'll do that next time. Thanks for the tip.

StephenT · Sep 4, 2015

Ditto the recommendations on being sure the film is well beyond the ball bearings.

For the fellow that is planning to use the Paterson reels with 120 - good luck. I gave up. The shoulders on the feed ramp are just too short. Someone on APUG recommended I try the Paterson clones readily available new from the big mail order houses that have a MUCH larger and longer feed ramp. They work like a charm. Well worth the $10 or so. Without them, I would be using my steel tanks and reels for 120.

DannL. · Sep 4, 2015

Well, apparently the Paterson System 4 just ain't for me. Way too messy. By the time I was done, I had developer, stop, and fixer all over my hands and bench. But the reels did work fine with 120. No complaints there. I just pulled the film straight out of the reel, bypassing the bearings altogether. I should have never sold my Jobo tanks. So, back to using the SS tank. Less mess.

Xmas · Sep 5, 2015

I must be doing something wrong.

I slip a finger nail under the end of the film mid way between the plastic and bow it out so it comes away from the reel.

Once you have a few inches clear you clip on the clip and hang it up when it will unwind by itself or you need to pull the reel down like a lynch party.

It is easier if you leave the two sides of the reel staggered so the triangular start protrusions don't act as a stopper.

I believe the northern expression is raping the bear and shooting the Eskimo girl but Suzzanna will hit me for that,

M Carter · Sep 5, 2015

Remember to scrub those plastic reels with a brush (an old toothbrush works well), soap and hot water every now and then. They can really build up some gunk which can freeze up a bearing.

ColColt · Sep 5, 2015

I wash everything after use-reels and all. That's not the problem. I think the problem was as mentioned earlier about not getting the trailing edge of the film past the bearings.

Nathan King · Sep 5, 2015

Xmas said:
I must be doing something wrong.

I slip a finger nail under the end of the film mid way between the plastic and bow it out so it comes away from the reel.

Once you have a few inches clear you clip on the clip and hang it up when it will unwind by itself

That's what I've always done.

Getting Film of Reels

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Getting Film of Reels

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