Hewes v Kindermann. Ease of loading?

[Kevin Caulfield]

I just used a Kindermann reel for the first time ever. I'm a long time user of Hewes reels and I love them, but I got some brand-new Kindermann reels and tanks for dirt cheap, which I've been hanging out to use. Anyway, the reels also take 220 film, so the spacing is a bit tight. I found the Kindermann locking pin a bit of a pain because if you don't start loading the film nicely squared up, then the pin has already locked you into position so it's not easy to manoeuvre the film back into place. I'm interested in hearing views from those who have used both.

 

[mshchem]

Those goofy pins aren't (entirely)for locking. They are little "handles" that you use to wind the film when you are using the equally strange but cute loading stand. I have one of these in my curiosity collection. One side for 35mm, the other for 120/220.
I have a little Hewes loader. You can leave the leader hang out and trim it square. Then you put the sprocket holes onto the teeth of the reel. Then somehow turn out the lights , then you wind away with the little crank and voila the film is spooled on

Why anyone would want to fiddle with these things is beyond me. The Kindermann stuff is great . Since I picked up a pile of Jobo stuff I now waste a half an hour setting up so I don't have to invert tank, it's so tiresome

 

[mshchem]

I'm not sure I was talking about the same thing. If you are referring to the pin/clip that you insert the film in at the center of the Kindermann reel, yes they are difficult.

 

[Pentode]

I find Hewes the easiest to load of all but I like the Kindermann reels, too. Once you get the hang of the little spike in the middle it becomes second-nature and you don’t really think about it anymore.

I don’t really mind Nikor reels either but they are a little harder to get started. The only ones I consistently have trouble loading are the ones made in Korea or China that have the wire clips in the middle. I gave all of those away.

I have a few each of Hewes, Kindermann and Nikor and I’ll usually reach for the Hewes first.

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

I'm not sure I was talking about the same thing. If you are referring to the pin/clip that you insert the film in at the center of the Kindermann reel, yes they are difficult.

Yes, that's the one I was referring to.