srs5694
Member
To avoid fogging the last frames with a bulk loader, you can turn out the lights when you attach the film to the central spool, then seal it up, turn on the lights if you like, crank on, turn the lights off again, open it up to cut the film, and repeat. Of course, this means you've got to do it in a darkroom, not watching TV or something, but it does work. As to scratching, just try it for a roll or two and see what you get.
I seem to recall there are Hewes reels made to fit Jobo tanks, but I don't know if these would fit a Paterson tank. Note that one of the advantages of SS reels and tanks is that they require less solution volume. A typical 35mm SS tank takes 250ml to cover a single reel, whereas most plastic tanks take 300ml or more. There are also fewer parts to wash. Thus, I personally don't see much advantage to a plastic tank per se; most of the difference is in the reels. (Although the two materials do have different thermal properties, which can sometimes be important.)
I seem to recall there are Hewes reels made to fit Jobo tanks, but I don't know if these would fit a Paterson tank. Note that one of the advantages of SS reels and tanks is that they require less solution volume. A typical 35mm SS tank takes 250ml to cover a single reel, whereas most plastic tanks take 300ml or more. There are also fewer parts to wash. Thus, I personally don't see much advantage to a plastic tank per se; most of the difference is in the reels. (Although the two materials do have different thermal properties, which can sometimes be important.)