Metal/Steel tanks - UK??

[cherryrig]

Cheers for those links guys.

Thats where I'd buy the stuff from I guess. Also 2nd Hand Darkroom is quite close to be to be fair so I dropped them an e-mail say do they have the reels in stock (Yes they do, both 35mm and 120) and could I come in and order that way (Yes if you e-mail when you think you'd come in, time and date)

So I guess I'll have to start writing out my birthday list haha

 

[Richard Kelham]

If you get to handle the things before you buy check the fit of the lids etc. With S/S tanks it can sometimes be a bit of a battle to get the lid off when your hands are wet and the tank is full of chemicals! Also I'd recommend the spirals with a spring clip in the centre rather than any other type – I find them easier to load (mine are Nikor).

 

[cherryrig]

You don't have any which you want to get rid of??

 

[Ronald Moravec]

The difference is the black plastic will eventually split center to edge ruining your film. It is also much harder to put on.

For best results, drop the loaded reel in the full tank of developer rather than pour in. Then the stainless cap is added with one motion with the other hand. I have Nikor tanks for 50 years and just bought a new one for "just in case." Some cheap Japanese copies were made, but they did not use 316 stainless and were prone to rust.

The rest pale in functionality and durability, but they all work if you learn the quirks.