Quirks!

JerseyDoug

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Oct 14, 2010
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I hadn't thought about it before but I am practically certain that I close my eyes when I load a reel in the changing bag. I say this because I have a very good visual memory and have absolutely no recollection of ever seeing the operation from outside the bag.
 

Truzi

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Mar 18, 2012
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When using a changing bag I either close my eyes, or look up and off to the side.
 

Don_ih

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Jan 24, 2021
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I keep them open and look at the numbers on the Gralab timers.
 

Ian C

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Feb 8, 2009
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Usually not. But I think that we’ve all done this automatically from time to time. It seems to focus our attention on our tactile sense. Obviously, touch and sound are all we have to guide us in loading film in total darkness.
 

Daniela

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Feb 20, 2017
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I do and everyone else should too. That's how the photography goddesses know you're serious and bless you with magnificent pictures
 

kykr

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Jun 2, 2022
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Northern WI
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35mm
I do too. For some reason it just seems to work better for me, and most of the time I’m using a changing bag.
 

Valerie

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Jul 22, 2005
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Magnolia, Tx
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I close my eyes if running into a snag in the bag. Helps me think better.
 

Sirius Glass

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I was told to do that by a coworker amateur photographer decades ago. I found that that worked better for me and I still do it when I work with a changing bag. Part of the reason it works with a changing bag is that nothing in the room can distract me.
 

fiddle

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Jul 17, 2009
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hm, I keep them open. Its pitch black, cant see anything anyway. I usually load on my darkrooms counter.
 

MattKing

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Rick A

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Mar 31, 2009
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Laurel Highlands
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I had a friend in high school who learned to load film with his eyes closed. First time he loaded a roll in the darkroom he closed his eyes and spooled the film, then opened his eyes to realize the lights were still on. I leave my eyes open.
 

HowieP

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Joined
Dec 15, 2012
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63
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Long Island
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35mm
Don't close my eyes when loading a reel but sometimes do so when printing while agitating trays, usually while thinking about something unrelated. Have no idea why.
 

Andrew O'Neill

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Jan 16, 2004
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I keep my eyes open when in the darkroom or using a changing bag. I tell my students, who are struggling with the bag, to keep them closed. It seems to help ... and stops them from being distracted by their phones!
 
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