Paterson Reels with Stainless Tank

[thuggins]

I have Hewes reels for 35mm and 120, and they are great. But the stainless steel reel for 127 does not work well at all. Since the choices in that size are limited I was going to try an adjustable, plastic reel. Do the Paterson reels fit into a stainless steel tank (3-3/8 dia)?

 

[MattKing]

No - they are too big.
Sorry to disappoint.

 

[thuggins]

Hey Matt, thanks for the update. I am loath to buy the whole Paterson outfit for the little bit of 127 film I use. Besides, I tried one of those ratcheting plastic reels a number of years ago and never got the hang of it.

It sounds like I may have to muddle thru the Rera Chrome as best as I can, then go to slicing down 120 and making it just a skosh wider to lock into the reel more securely.

 

[mgb74]

Keep an eye out for older, off brand plastic tanks with reels. Those reels will generally adjust to 127 as it was fairly common when those tanks were made and sold.

 

[BAC1967]

I've never had any trouble loading my 127 stainless reels, maybe you just got a bad one.

 

[thuggins]

I've never had any trouble loading my 127 stainless reels, maybe you just got a bad one.

It may be the reel, but it seems more likely that the Rera Chrome is cut too narrow. The spec for 127 is 46mm wide, which is right at 1.81". The spools are around 1.855" to 1.86". So it appears the intent was for the backing paper to be about a millimeter wider than the film to prevent fogging of the edges.

The Rera Chrome backing paper measures right at 1.855 wide but the film is measuring at 1.760", more than a millimeter narrower than the spec. This is more than enough for it to slip out of the spiral, which is exactly what is happening.

 

[BAC1967]

It may be the reel, but it seems more likely that the Rera Chrome is cut too narrow. The spec for 127 is 46mm wide, which is right at 1.81". The spools are around 1.855" to 1.86". So it appears the intent was for the backing paper to be about a millimeter wider than the film to prevent fogging of the edges.

The Rera Chrome backing paper measures right at 1.855 wide but the film is measuring at 1.760", more than a millimeter narrower than the spec. This is more than enough for it to slip out of the spiral, which is exactly what is happening.

I haven't had any problems with ReraPan 100. Maybe their slitting process isn't consistent.

Boats Moored in Port Orchard by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

 

[darkroommike]

If you want to keep with SS tanks then look for a Kodak Kodacraft apron (lasagna spacer) in 127 size or look for an old Nikkor 220 tank with the larger diameter.

 

[Rick A]

I keep an AP brand plastic tank and reels around because it has provision for 127 film, plus it's easier to load than the Paterson reels.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...AwyEAQYASABEgJdaPD_BwE&is=REG&m=Y&sku=1148507

 

[mshchem]

My initial reaction would be to throw the 127 camera off a highway overpass, but someone might get hurt. Sorry couldn't resist. Take a Saturday and go to garage sales until you find a Paterson tank for 5 bucks. I have a Photax developing trough, boring but it works for anything up to 3 1/2 inches wide . You would need long arms to develop 220
Mike

 

[CMoore]

I haven't had any problems with ReraPan 100. Maybe their slitting process isn't consistent.

Boats Moored in Port Orchard by Bryan Chernick, on Flickr

Wow.....so that was just that Kodak Camera...Film...and straight into some kind of crazy Beer Developer.?
I am assuming it is the Alcohol in the beer that is a crucial part of the recipe.?
There is no colored filter or Polarizer on that camera.?
Thank You

 

[BAC1967]

Wow.....so that was just that Kodak Camera...Film...and straight into some kind of crazy Beer Developer.?
I am assuming it is the Alcohol in the beer that is a crucial part of the recipe.?
There is no colored filter or Polarizer on that camera.?
Thank You

I believe it's the caffeic acid from the oats in the beer that help the development. I based the recipe on a caffenol recipe and just made adjustments until I was happy with it.

That was shot with a Kodak Starmite, no filter. The lack of sharpness outside of the center of the crappy Dakon lens gives it the illusion of a shallow depth of field.