perhaps Im an idiot: Ilford 35mm question

scootermm · Jun 20, 2004

Ive been working in my darkroom for a good while now and I have a consistant problem that I, in all Ive tried, cannot remedy.
I shoot alot of ilford BW 35mm film, 120, and 4x5 film.
developing the 4x5 and 120 are both easy.
But I consistantly have the hardest time getting ilford 35mm film onto 35mm without misaligning the rolling and ruining a couple frames on EVERY roll. I shoot some fuji Arcos 100 35mm film and everytime it goes onto the reel just fine without a problem. But every time I am rolling ilford fp4, hp5, panF, or 3200 delta it happens. its beginning to get frustrating and I feel like Im doing something wrong or dont know something.
has anyone had isues like this? is the width of ilford film slightly different than other films?
Id really appreciate any help anyone might have.

thanks in advance.

mark · Jun 20, 2004

Loaded question

Do you mean on the reels for processing or in the camera. I assume the reel. I have always had trouble loading 35mm on reels. No matter what. I have never noticed ilford Delta 100 to be any more of a problem than any other film. I stopped shooting 35mm BW and the problem was solved.

David R Munson · Jun 20, 2004

What kind of reels are you using? Some of the older types are a complete and total pain in the arse if you're not totally used to them. Both Hewes and Kindermann reels have worked very well for me. I prefer the latter, though the former has a bit of a cult following. Putting the money down for a couple decent reels is worth the saved frustration and they'll last you for a long, long time.

glbeas · Jun 20, 2004

When I load 35mm onto a steel reel attention to the tension helps a lot. As I do a round I pause and push on the film a bit to feel if its still a little loose in the reel. If it feels tight, I back up and redo it. Any kinks or jumps will cause the film to lockup tight and have a stiff feel.

Tom Hoskinson · Jun 20, 2004

scootermm,
I assume you are having a problem loading 35mm film into developing reels. I usually use stainless steel reels (Hewes, Kindermann) and never have a problem - unless I drop a reel and bend it. Once a ss reel has been bent - forget it!

I just finished processing a couple rolls of 35mm on Jobo plastic reels. Once again, no problems. If plastic reels are wet or warped, they can be big trouble. With plastic reels, the shape of the cut-off film end that starts the film into the reel, especially the corners, can be important.

I suggest you sacrifice a roll of an Ilford film type that is giving you trouble, turn on the lights, try to load it onto the reel and see where and how it is hanging up.

marcello.brussard · Jun 21, 2004

Not yet sure if you're talking about loading the film in developing reel, but I assume that the problem is just this.

Loading the film on plastic reels can be a problem is the reels are wet. A drop is enough to make the wet film very sticky and difficult to advance.

Thick films, like delta for instance, can give problems if the take up spool of your camera rolls the film clockwise (reels usually are counterclockwise). If this is the case: 1) be very careful in cutting the leading edge of the film;
2) do not develop the roll right out of the camera but let it rest in its cartridge for a day.

Ciao Marcello

Juraj Kovacik · Jun 21, 2004

from my personal experience the main point is in cutting the edges. they have to be absolutely smooth. I'm using plastic reels. JK

sparx · Jun 21, 2004

I use Iford films all the time and i find my problems aren't with film type but with film length. A 36 frame film always seems to be harder to fit on a reel than a 24 frame film. I use plastic reels.

Annemarieke · Jun 21, 2004

Rinsing your reels in a wetting agent solution before drying helps, and if the reels are not totally dry, use a hair dryer to make them absolutely dry.

I always cut the film lead into a rounded shape, i.e. cutting off a little bit off the sharp straight edges on both sides, and it works a treat.

I only use plastic Patterson reels, and never have problems, unless the reels are still a bit moist.

Good luck!
Anne Marieke

scootermm · Jun 21, 2004

thanks all for the replies.
Im going to try some plastic reels. I have mostly the oldschool stainless steel ones presently.

by the way. I am an idiot in case there was any debate.

perhaps Im an idiot: Ilford 35mm question

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