What reels/tank do you guys use?

Dali · Aug 8, 2016

Kawaiithulhu said:
If they're only at one end then possibly the frames on the outer diameter of your reel are rubbing against the inside wall, which shouldn't be happening.

Yeah, I had something like that in mind...

Echoes · Aug 8, 2016

Dali said:
And is it at the beginning of the film, at the end or everywhere at random?

Kawaiithulhu said:
Are the scratches only at one end of the roll, or are they spread throughout?
If they're only at one end then possibly the frames on the outer diameter of your reel are rubbing against the inside wall, which shouldn't be happening.
Do you see the scratches before cutting and storing the negatives in whatever sleeves you use? How do you store your negatives, anyways?

I grew up with stainless reels and tanks and find them incredibly simple to load, though I never did solve the leaky cap problem
I currently use stainless and reels if I'm doing a test and plan on using them when I try color. I also use standard jobo plastic reels for 35mm and 120mm. And a 3010 for 4x5 sheets.
I dunk in a dilute photoflo container and then squeegee with my wet fingers before hanging to dry.
Haven't had a scratch on any medium, even a test with the "taco method" of 4x5 which is a bit rough.

It is everywhere in the roll, and I see it just when I get the film out of the tank. I store them in those Glassine sleeves, but again, the scratches are there before drying.

Eric Rose · Aug 8, 2016

In the old B&W film newspaper days it was Honeywell reels and steel tanks. Now I use Paterson reels. I have a load of them so if I need to develop a lot of film I don't have to wait for the last reel to FULLY dry. In a pinch before I had more than enough Paterson reels I would load a wet reel in a sink full of water.

Kirks518 · Aug 8, 2016

Could it be something in your hand (fingernail, cuticle, hangnail, rough skin, jewelry, etc.) that is coming into contact with the film as you load it onto the reel?

You've already ruled out cameras, cassettes, and others have ruled out the reels themselves. Do you use a darkbag, or do you have a darkroom? Something is contacting the film between the time it leaves the cassette, and when you print/scan them.

You can see the actual scratches on the film, am I correct? That would rule out a scan issue (if you scan).

Echoes · Aug 8, 2016

Kirks518 said:
Could it be something in your hand (fingernail, cuticle, hangnail, rough skin, jewelry, etc.) that is coming into contact with the film as you load it onto the reel?

You've already ruled out cameras, cassettes, and others have ruled out the reels themselves. Do you use a darkbag, or do you have a darkroom? Something is contacting the film between the time it leaves the cassette, and when you print/scan them.

You can see the actual scratches on the film, am I correct? That would rule out a scan issue (if you scan).

I have a darkroom, and can't think of anything that could scratch it, honestly. I don't use any jewelry and my skin is smooth as butter!

Kawaiithulhu · Aug 8, 2016

As you're unspooling your film and loading it onto the reel is the source end being dragged across a hard table top? Maybe try loading on top of a towel or soft, big cloth to rule out contact abrasion while loading.
Do you use a film leader puller to get film out of the cartridge, or do you just pop it open with a can opener?

Have you tried recreating your entire process with the lights on to see the steps happen?

Echoes · Aug 8, 2016

Kawaiithulhu said:
As you're unspooling your film and loading it onto the reel is the source end being dragged across a hard table top? Maybe try loading on top of a towel or soft, big cloth to rule out contact abrasion while loading.
Do you use a film leader puller to get film out of the cartridge, or do you just pop it open with a can opener?

Have you tried recreating your entire process with the lights on to see the steps happen?

Hello, thanks a lot for your help.
Indeed I just tried replicating it and the scratches appear as I start getting the film into the reel.

Kirks518 · Aug 8, 2016

Well, now that I know what an AP reel looks like, I'm gonna say they're the cause. Looks like you slip the film through that thing you're pointing at, and the film spirals onto the reel as you push. To me, it's an inherent design flaw. Paterson's just grab the edges of the film, and nothing is even close to the image area.

Kawaiithulhu · Aug 8, 2016

In the short term you should be able to polish the leading edges of that plastic chute the film enters with some thick cloth dragged rapidly back and forth like shining a shoe, that should knock down any rough spots traumatizing your film.

In the middling term, if you continue with the hobby you should switch to any of the other reels and tanks mentioned here: stainless if you've got a bit of dexterity to learn loading, or plastic without the incoming chute and those are easier to work with. You'll get plenty of suggestions on what's good and dependable, guaranteed.

In the long term you'll find that debugging processes methodically, one variable at a time will be 90% of what you do in photography to improve technique and results. No failure is a problem if you've learned something from it!
(I know, a little Pollyanna, but true)

Enjoy!

Jeff Bradford · Aug 8, 2016

I have Paterson, Nikor, Kinderman, Hewes, and some no-name stuff. No marks from any of them.

MattKing · Aug 8, 2016

It may be the photo you linked to, but those reels look different than mine.

Mine look like the ones shown on freestyle's site: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/55043-Arista-Premium-Plastic-Developing-Reel

Note that the top of the entry slot is shorter than the bottom.

mshchem · Aug 9, 2016

I've used them all (except AP). I grew up using Paterson, , if you have an old gummy reel throw it away and buy a nice new one. Hewes and a Kindermann tank is a dream come true. .Now I'm all about gizmos so have a Jobo processor.
I usually scratch film when I foolishly squeegee film.
Best Mike

Europan · Aug 9, 2016

I have JOBO, Paterson, Nikor, and self-made spiral reels of larger capacity.

What reels/tank do you guys use?

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency