Watson loader goof up - scratched film?

agenkin · Apr 22, 2007

I was bulk-loading Ilford HP5+ using the Watson 100 bulk loader. I loaded an entire roll when I realized that I forgot to open up the gate. This means that I dragged the entire roll through the closed gate. Do you suppose the roll is now scratched up badly? My feeling is that it should be, but I decided to ask just in case.

fschifano · Apr 22, 2007

Yeah, probably. Didn't you notice that the film was particularly difficult to wind into the cassettes?

film_guy · Apr 22, 2007

I think best thing is to cut a tiny strip and develop it to see if it's scratched up.

patrickjames · Apr 22, 2007

You should be able to see if there are any abrasions on the film without developing it. Otherwise just throw it out or save it for some testing.

As an aside, I have noticed with the Watson loader that you shouldn't open the film gate all the way, just until there is resistance (not until it clicks), This cuts down on abrasions as well.

Good luck

Patrick

radiantdarkroom · Apr 22, 2007

I don't like watson bulk loaders anyhow, they are prone to scratching the f**k out of your film.

Neal · Apr 22, 2007

Dear Arkady,

I avoid the film gate problem by never closing it. I work in the dark (often in a changing bag while watching television).

Neal Wydra

agenkin · Apr 22, 2007

radiantdarkroom said:
I don't like watson bulk loaders anyhow, they are prone to scratching the f**k out of your film.

This sounds strange; which ones do you think are better? The alternatives that use felt for light trapping seem to have more contact with the film than the Watsons, which open the gate wide open so that (I think) it doesn't touch anything when traveling.

agenkin · Apr 22, 2007

Neal said:
I avoid the film gate problem by never closing it. I work in the dark (often in a changing bag while watching television).

Hi, Neal:

How do you manage to attach the film to the roll in the dark? To me, it is a difficult task even in the light.

Jim Jones · Apr 22, 2007

Neal said:
Dear Arkady,

I avoid the film gate problem by never closing it. I work in the dark (often in a changing bag while watching television).

Neal Wydra

Me too. A radio (or cd player) eliminates the need for a changing bag and TV. Maybe a patient photographer can even do it in total solitude and silence. There is no chance of fogging the final frame. A desk tape dispenser would be handy, but just hanging the roll of tape on an enlarger knob works, too.

T42 · Aug 7, 2007

Loaders and Bulk Film rolls

Greetings, Folks.

Originally Posted by radiantdarkroom

I don't like watson bulk loaders anyhow, they are prone to scratching...

I am just trying to figure out which bulk loader is the choice of Members here at APUG, if any are significantly better than any others, or if there are any surprises I should be aware of. I have decided to load my own rolls after using factory spooled cassettes for decades.

I also have a concern about buying 100 ft rolls of film which must be shipped to me, if bought in August. I wonder what the experts here think about potential heat damage in transit. Is it an issue worth being concerned about?

Thanks!
Henry

Moopheus · Aug 7, 2007

agenkin said:
IThis means that I dragged the entire roll through the closed gate. Do you suppose the roll is now scratched up badly?

When I did that just a couple of weeks ago ((there was a url link here which no longer exists)) the scratches were deep and nasty. Pretty much ruined the film.

fotch · Aug 7, 2007

Its all in the technique. I like the Watson the best however, they all do the same thing and if used correctly, will give the same result. The Watson, having no felt is easier to maintain, JMHO. Regarding the weather, the heat may not be a problem but I would wait myself if I could.

Flotsam · Aug 7, 2007

I like th AP bulk loader. No felt and the gate opens automatically when you insert the the crank. Idiot-proof. Also, it keeps track of how much film you have left in the bulk roll and does accurate frame counts in the cassette. Great if you want to load 35 frame rolls so that they can be cut into 5 frame strips without having that one leftover frame.

Jim Jones · Aug 8, 2007

I wouldn't worry about August heat for B&W film. I've respooled hundreds of rolls with a Watson 100 and the similar Alden 74 with few problems. An older felt-trap Watson did scratch film. Perhaps one can keep the felt trap clean enough, but why gamble?

Watson loader goof up - scratched film?

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