Paterson reel compatibility

2F/2F · Apr 5, 2011

Hello,

Will new Paterson reels (Super System 4) work properly in a Tank System 4 tank?

Thanks

Crashbox · Apr 5, 2011

I believe so, unless they've changed the design again and tinkered with the reel dimensions which seems unlikely to me.

I was in fact just trying to find my eight-reeler which is the newer design; my old two-reeler is the earlier System 4 and I had no trouble interchanging reels between them.

I'm sure others who actually have their developing equipment at hand can chime in with more info. If I find my eight-reeler tonight I'll swap the reels around and update my post.

I've just begun to get back into analog photography, hence my unusual response...

tony lockerbie · Apr 5, 2011

Mine all seem to work just fine, so I reckon the answer is yes.

2F/2F · Apr 5, 2011

Thanks. I have this Tank System 4 thing that I want to loan to a friend, but it only has one reel in it, and two are needed. I wanted to know if a brand new reel would work with the old one. Sounds like a likely bet. Thanks!

Mike Wilde · Apr 5, 2011

Some of the smaller system 4 tanks look like they will take 2 35mm size adjusted reels, but they will not quite fit.

The bigger downside is the S4 centre post for this small tank in question is about 1/4" shorter than the 2-35mm reel capable SS-4 tank post.

Yes, I mixed mine up, and got fogged from the light leak betweeen the SS4 funnel and the too short center post.

Live and learn...

Crashbox · Apr 7, 2011

After searching 5,280 boxes in my house I finally found my Super System 4 tank (it's only a five-reeler, though). The reels are indeed 100% interchangeable.

No kidding- it was stashed in virtually the last box in my house I hadn't gone through! The five-reeler was there along with my faucet temperature gauge and my Dunwright & Vogel EcoWash... I had begun to think I actually tossed the items but if that were so then I **KNEW*** I was crazy since I'm a total pack-rat...

2F/2F · Apr 7, 2011

Mike Wilde said:
Some of the smaller system 4 tanks look like they will take 2 35mm size adjusted reels, but they will not quite fit.

Thanks for the tip. Indeed, this tank is one of those. I measured, and two reels will not quite fit. I will just suggest that my friend get a new Paterson two-reel tank. Thanks, everyone.

PhotoJim · Apr 7, 2011

I still have a reel from the 1970s that I use in modern Super System 4 tanks. Aside from the yellow hue its plastic has taken, it appears to be identical to my newer reels.

R gould · Apr 8, 2011

Patterson never changed their reels, just the design of the tanks, and I use modern reels in both system 4 and super system 4 tanks, and my older reels from system 4 in super system 4 tanks without problems,Richard

OzJohn · Apr 8, 2011

While both types are interchangeable in the tank, the newer ones (the white ones that don't yellow as much with use) pull apart more easily, feed more easily and have less tendency to bind if you are trying to insert a kinked film or if you have a residual trace of moisture in your reel. I have both types and never use the older ones unless I am really short of dry reels. Also, the newer Super System 4 tanks fill and empty faster than the older tanks - important if you processing multiple films in a process with critical timing eg C41
OzJohn

Paterson reel compatibility

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