Revolutionary Tool for Loading 120 on Jobo Plastic Reels

[Sirius Glass]

Just a FYI, I went to JoboUSA website it tells you to remove the film from the taped end, take fingernail clippers and nip 3mm off the corners, load film.

When all else fails READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!

Come on! Now what fun is that? I fold the tape over and pull that end into the Jobo reel.

 

[mshchem]

Dummy me I was folding the FILM when I tried the Jobo. I swear I get older I get dumber. My wife's always telling me to slow down. Something I've done 10,000 times (pre Jobo, pre getting old)
This is why training is so important.
I learn something new every time I get on this and other forums.

So yes pull the film and tape off the paper, fold the TAPE over the end of the film. Per Jobo be careful not to crease the film.

This is going to change my life!

 

[mshchem]

I fold the tape over - it stiffens the leading edge, which makes loading easier for me.

Matt Clearly states fold the tape over. I swear I can't follow written instructions. Somehow I interpreted this as folding the end of the film over the tape. I apologize for any confusion.

However I will say if I follow the instructions from Jobo, fold the tape over or remove it from the film, and use my miracle film rounder. It's never been easier!

 

[peter k.]

I swear I get older I get dumber. My wife's always telling me to slow down.

Yep, don't feel alone!!!!
There seems to be an anxiety over forgetting what were doing, and a rush to complete.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I always snip. Plus I aggressively reverse straighten (or kink) the same end of the film prior to reeling. Some films can get stubborn due to humidity or aging issues, but this always seems to work for me with the Jobo reel.

 

[fs999]

I never snipped in my whole life.
I bend the corners the other way, but only for Kodak films, which have more problems to load...

 

[foc]

Snip is the only way !!

Ok I know it's 35mm but the same applies to 120 and I do it in the darkbox. If having problems with the snip then just swap ends and fold the tape as Sirius Glass suggested.

 

[AgX]

I have a snipper in house that cuts round corners and use it on paper and thin cardboard for esthetic reasons or in cases where definitely no angular corner of any kind may be. Though with film I did not foresee any benefit over a 45° straight cut and thus never tried it.

 

[mshchem]

As Jobo mentions in their instructions , (which I can find on JoboUSA site, thanks CatLABS ), don't over snip. If you do it makes matters worse for 120. Even my old standby Paterson reels I've always been careful to not leave a open sprocket hole when I trimmed the film.

What an exciting and interesting subject. Who needs sports, restaurants and cinema when we have film snipping!

Best Regards Mike

 

[mshchem]

I never snipped in my whole life.
I bend the corners the other way, but only for Kodak films, which have more problems to load...

I didn't snip until my mid 50's. I hope this doesn't lead to something bad like pouring a nice pale ale on my breakfast cereal. .

 

[fs999]

I hope this doesn't lead to something bad like pouring a nice pale ale on my breakfast cereal. .

I have to try your recipe

 

[GRHazelton]

With 120 loading onto Paterson reels I've been MUCH more successful starting the taped end. It seems that the tape stiffens the film just enough to aid threading that first inch or so. With 35mm film I have never had problems with Paterson reels. Funny thing: Many many years ago I used stainless steel reels almost exclusively for 35mm and had no trouble threading them. Now...I seem to have lost my "mojo" for SS reels and 35mm. I haven't tried 120 on SS reels!

 

[GRHazelton]

Well, I just ordered the Kadomaru Clipper. Sounds like a 19th century sailing vessel! Anyhow, the price was right, I'll have it soon and I can perhaps approach my Paterson reels with 120 film and confidence.

 

[mshchem]

Well, I just ordered the Kadomaru Clipper. Sounds like a 19th century sailing vessel! Anyhow, the price was right, I'll have it soon and I can perhaps approach my Paterson reels with 120 film and confidence.

I've tried, and the taped end, even without tape has much less of a curl. I have been snipping with Kadomaru trimmer, on the taped end, leaving the tape on the film and I've never had it easier.
Make sure you use the smallest setting on this little machine, the larger radius settings make matters worse.

I need to make a video, especially for Jobo trying to load two 120 on one reel.

TWO TAKEAWAYS FOR ME. START WITH TAPED END, SNIP THE CORNERS ROUND.

 

[mgb74]

...The other thing may be my wierd method of always starting with the un-taped end. This maybe the root cause. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the un-taped end is closer to the spool and probably has more of a set, (curvature) of the film....

The taped end will be towards the outer spiral of unexposed roll but towards the inner spiral after exposure. So if you assume it sat unexposed for a longer time than exposed, the taped end should have less of a curve.

 

[Michael Firstlight]

Got mine today based on your review and tried it - what a great little inexpensive tool - brilliant, thank you!

MFL