Recommended Roll Film Developing Reels

[cmacd123]

These reels and tanks are marketed under a number of different brand names. Most frequently I've found them under the "AP" brand.
Matt

AP Photoplastics is the source for many products that we use in analog photography. In fact they make a lot of the film packaging that is used fro various brands of film.

The tanks are made in two versions, and so are the reels. I find the "classic version is handier for 135 but the new version which for some reason they call "compact" is a big help with 120.

http://www.apphoto.es/ap_products/docs/eng/tanques_espirales.htm

Freestyle, Frugal Photographer and others sell these. Last time I checked Frugal had a close-out on the "classic" style reels.

if you look though the AP site you will probably see at least a few items in your own darkroom collection.

 

[Paul Whiting]

On a Kinderman reel what is the small (~1cm) length of wire sticking up on one side? It's hard for me to describe, I may have to post a photo.

 

[Rick A]

On a Kinderman reel what is the small (~1cm) length of wire sticking up on one side? It's hard for me to describe, I may have to post a photo.

That was a bump stop for the loader accessory, I believe the Hewes reels also have it. I always used it to know which way to hold the reel in the dark, makes it easy to orient the reel in total darkness.

 

[Paul Whiting]

Thanks for the quick response, Rick.

Good to know what that protrusion is for... I guess it won't apply to me because I don't have that loader. I do have a Hewes reel, and just now developed a roll. It was indeed easy to load this reel - don't know I happen to have it. It was probably a gift from my fairy godmother.

As you can tell, I'm new here. Been a while, a long while, since I shot a roll of film. I'm happy you folks are here, I like the hybrid approach, film for negs, digital for prints.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[donkee]

Get the Hewes, worth every penny, and practice

 

[Paul Whiting]

Oh, and just by way of information ... my Hewes reel does not have that loader feature.

 

[guangong]

About 1965, I bought a stainless steel guide that fits in the palm of the hand. It has a slightly curved shape with guides at edges to hold film in place. Never had a problem loading 120 film after that, no matter the brand.