Metal film reels and loading

[Newt_on_Swings]

I could never get the hang of loading steel reels fast. Plastic I can do a dozen quickly without a jam, as long as I am the one who cleaned and dried them. I think the only time plastic reels shine are when using the larger tabbed versions to load 120 films. This type of patterson reel really speeds up the loading.

 

[ac12]

I've used the Honeywell/Nikor reels since the 1970s. Once you learn to use them, they are a piece of cake to use. But that is the catch, you have to learn to load the reels properly. Like learning to drive a stick/manual car, it takes a while to learn. One trick was to ignore the blasted clip in the middle, because if you don't center the film perfectly under the clip, it loads crooked and the film kinks. But since they are no longer available new, the only new option seems to be Hewes. Nikor reels are available used, but you NEED to physically inspect them. #1 to make sure they are Nikor reels, #2 to look for damage. I recall that some Nikor reels were not marked, but I don't recall which ones these were.

There were other good reels. I think Omega was another good brand, and probably made by the same company that made the Honeywell/Nikor reels.

I second the requirement to check the reels. In high school, you know how rough the kids are, there were some reels that just should have been thrown in the garbage can. They were visibly damaged and were difficult to use. So we avoided those reels, but pitty the kids who tried to use them. But the photo teacher was too dense to realize that the damaged reels were DIFFICULT to load. He just used a plier and screwdriver to kinda straighten it, and said 'good enough' :-(

I only used the 35mm reels, but when I went to a store to buy some used 120 and 220 Nikor reels. The first time I tried it in the store with a dummy roll of 120 film, I loaded it perfectly. So my 35mm experience transferred to the 120 film and reel.

 

[mgb74]

... I think the only time plastic reels shine are when using the larger tabbed versions to load 120 films. This type of patterson reel really speeds up the loading.

A public darkroom I help out in has some plastic reels with what (I think) is the large tab version you're referring to. They are much easier to load 120 than the other plastic reels. I know they fit patterson tanks and cores, but for whatever reason I thought they were actually Jobo reels.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I purchased old new SS reel in the original box made by famous German manufacturer. Every dude on youtube has mentioned this name with their wisdom how to load it.
Learned how to load into it. And realized it is useless to me. It can't hold more than 36 frames. One reel steel developing tank was nothing but crap. Too small opening makes it too slow, too cumbersome to operate.
And it is way too small for me to get film developed without uneven parts, good for stand developing only (for me), which I'm not into.

The only real reason to buy SS reel is to have it easily cleaned if you are using chemicals which leaves something on the reel. And this reel will lasts forever. Not sure if here is any good SS tanks to be as easy and fast to operate as plastic ones.
I'm not using "dirty" chemicals and my plastic reels are as good as new after several years of weekly use. Even if they are getting something on them after Jobo 1L C-41 kit, after few films in HC-110 reel is clean again.

IMO, plastic reel shine, metal shi..

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

A public darkroom I help out in has some plastic reels with what (I think) is the large tab version you're referring to. They are much easier to load 120 than the other plastic reels. I know they fit patterson tanks and cores, but for whatever reason I thought they were actually Jobo reels.

Hmmm, maybe your are right, I have just always had them with the patterson tanks so thats how i referred to them. Looking on the patterson site they dont actually list the 120 reel! but on B&H its listed made by Omega! Well im guessing these manufactures all made these reels at some point and are probably the same design because the plastic they use feel exactly like the version without the tabs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...2_Universal_Adjustable_Multi_format_Reel.html

 

[Ronald Moravec]

Cheap is the problem.

Also you need to load the correct clockwise or counter clockwise.

Damaged reels will not load

Every two wraps or so, I give a push & pull to unloaded film . If it does not slide, it is out of the grove touching the inner wrap preventing chemical action.

 

[paul ron]

i think loading ss reels has nothing to do with brand, its more about experiance and practice using them. once you get the nack for it, they all load the same. clips may varry, i do prefer some over others but none have ever given me any problems after a few practice runs.

i find getting the start is the critical part of loadibg them. if the film is ever so slightly off center or slanted a bit... it will definately derail.

use a sacrificial roll to practice in a lighted area... then do it with your eyes shut.

in fact... now tell me if any of you do this too...

i still close my eyes in the dark.

 

[cmcphee]

Hmmm, maybe your are right, I have just always had them with the patterson tanks so thats how i referred to them. Looking on the patterson site they dont actually list the 120 reel! but on B&H its listed made by Omega! Well im guessing these manufactures all made these reels at some point and are probably the same design because the plastic they use feel exactly like the version without the tabs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...2_Universal_Adjustable_Multi_format_Reel.html

On the basis of this thread, and having just destroyed my first 120 film on a standard Paterson reel, I decided to buy the Omega. Tonight I tried my second 120 film - and it took only seconds to load. Perfect. The large tabs make all the difference when you're trying to hold the larger film steady. Now I just need to keep it dry & clean.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

On the basis of this thread, and having just destroyed my first 120 film on a standard Paterson reel, I decided to buy the Omega. Tonight I tried my second 120 film - and it took only seconds to load. Perfect. The large tabs make all the difference when you're trying to hold the larger film steady. Now I just need to keep it dry & clean.

If you are developing 120 on these rolls, you can actually tape a second roll of 120 on the same reel and develop both together as if you were developing a roll of 220!

 

[Kawaiithulhu]

If the reel is in your left hand and the film in your right, your right hand stays still and you rotate/move the reel.

This is the same as how I've done it since day 1, film hand just hanging out holding the curve of the film and the reel hand spinning the uptake.