What tank for metal reels?

[Twotone]

Hi folks,

After a long and painful relationship with plastic reels of various types, I've decided to give metal reels a shot.

The general consensus seems to be that Hewes reels are the best, or at least very good. I'm planning to pick some up in the coming few weeks but before I do I wanted to check in with users of these or metal reels in general for their take on what tanks work well?

I have only used paterson tanks so far, but my research has led me to Nikor tanks (not to be confused with Nikkor), however all the ones I've come across are either huge e.g. 12 X 35mm role capacity, or just a single roll capacity. I do not believe my paterson tanks will work with these.

Does anyone have any suggestions of makes/models? I'd ideally like one where I can do 2 X 35mm/1 X 120 roll to help speed up processing.

I'm in the UK, but I'll be in California in mid-June for a week if that helps with sourcing bits.

Thanks!

 

[Paul Howell]

When if California if in the LA area you can buy from Freestyle Photographic 16 oz, 2 rolls or 30 0z 4 roll tanks. SS tanks with plastic tops. I use similar tanks for years.

Arista Stainless Steel Tank 16 oz. with PVC Top

Arista Stainless Steel Tank 16 oz. with PVC Top - These durable, stainless steel tanks can last a lifetime. Arista's line of stainless steel developing reels and tanks have been the choice of professional photographers for generations. Includes a black…

www.freestylephoto.com

 

[Sirius Glass]

The best way to go is to get the Hewes reels and trim the corners of the film.

 

[Twotone]

When if California if in the LA area you can buy from Freestyle Photographic 16 oz, 2 rolls or 30 0z 4 roll tanks. SS tanks with plastic tops. I use similar tanks for years.

Arista Stainless Steel Tank 16 oz. with PVC Top

Arista Stainless Steel Tank 16 oz. with PVC Top - These durable, stainless steel tanks can last a lifetime. Arista's line of stainless steel developing reels and tanks have been the choice of professional photographers for generations. Includes a black…

www.freestylephoto.com

Brilliant, thanks!

 

[Twotone]

The best way to go is to get the Hewes reels and trim the corners of the film.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Chuck1]

If you can get an extra or two pvc tops and caps it might save future frustration.

 

[dokko]

personally I use the Hewes Reels with the thicker center hole for the Paterson Tanks and I'm very very happy with it.

They seem to be harder to find these days though.

 

[reddesert]

Steel tanks with capacity of 2x35mm or 4x35mm reels are very common, keep looking or get them from Freestyle. You can put normal-dimension steel reels in a steel tank whether branded Nikor, Kinderman, Arista, etc.

Replacement plastic tops are still made and cost US $5-6 from B&H or Freestyle, however in my opinion if you get a new tank+top you shouldn't need a replacement for a long time. The plastic may get more brittle as it gets old, although I've had some of the same tanks+tops for over 20 years.

 

[guangong]

Keep looking. Tanks were made in a variety of sizes…1, 2, 4, 6,…etc reels, because also used for films from Minox to 120. I haven’t used Hewes, but found the usual reels easy enough to load, although guides for 35mm and 120 are helpful. Some steel tanks came with steel lids, and others with rubber. Sometimes the little pouring lid on the steel lids can be difficult to open.
Have fun!

 

[GregY]

I have an entire family of stainless tanks of various sizes.... Nikor (w metal caps) nameless..... but the ones i use most are Kinderman single & 4 reel.....with rubber/plastic caps that have served 20+. years without leaking or failing.

 

[Vaughn]

I have two SS tanks that hold two 120 reels each. They have SS lids and caps. I'm just lucky to have sets that do not leak. I like working with all SS set-ups...solid and will last my lifetime.

 

[mshchem]

personally I use the Hewes Reels with the thicker center hole for the Paterson Tanks and I'm very very happy with it.

They seem to be harder to find these days though.

I've used these reels, they have a spring tab in the opening that allow use in Jobo as well as Paterson. Great reels. Very easy to load.

 

[mshchem]

Well these are only for Jobo. Not sure what is different??

Hewes Pro Stainless Steel Reel - 35mm - for Jobo 1500 Tanks

Hewes Pro Stainless Steel Reel - 35mm - for Jobo 1500 Tanks - Made in England out of thick gauge stainless steel, Hewes film developing reels are manufactured to professional quality standards. Designed to withstand the rigors of school darkrooms…

www.freestylephoto.com

 

[Romanko]

Not sure what is different??

The column diameter is different on Jobo and Paterson/AP tanks. As well as the inner tank diameter. Looks like they were carefully designed to be 100% non-interchangeable.

 

[eli griggs]

Well these are only for Jobo. Not sure what is different??

Hewes Pro Stainless Steel Reel - 35mm - for Jobo 1500 Tanks

Hewes Pro Stainless Steel Reel - 35mm - for Jobo 1500 Tanks - Made in England out of thick gauge stainless steel, Hewes film developing reels are manufactured to professional quality standards. Designed to withstand the rigors of school darkrooms…

www.freestylephoto.com

I'll suggest the outside reel diameter is larger for the plastic tanks.

I started out with steel reels, went to System Four, then, while freelancing for other's darkroom work, I returned to steel.

I can not recall having matched reels and tanks, and I have no idea of what all I have upstairs in my own darkroom, I simply take down the reels and tanks as they come to hand and I select the lids and caps that fit the tanks best.

I deal with each reel's Geometry & Quirks while loading on, the reels are pretty easy to discern by touch and the dark does not slow me down.

I also tape the lid in place on the tank, and have done and continue to do the same with plastic tanks as well.

If the tank is usable, the reels in reasonable shape and the caps and lids do not seize, it's all good.

The largest steel tank I've used, IIRC, is an eight 35mm reel cylinder, and though I'd like to have a tank thst large or a ten reel unit, I do fine with what I've got.

P.S., I suggest anyone using steel tanks, keep a traditional can and bottle opener at the sink, the type with a pointed triangle on one end and a wide rounder tip the other, on a cord that only needs you to sweep it up in a single movement across the front of the sink.

The reason why is that instead of addition to popping caps off 135mm film cassettes, the rounded end is very useful at prying seized/stuck, steel caps off the lids for pouring out formula in the developing routine.

Fooling around looking for a tool to do this in the middle of a cycle, especially in a large multiple reel tank, is a critical, and preventable deviation that can cost you good negatives from too much chemical exposure.

 

[Vaughn]

...

The reason why is that instead of addition to popping caps off 135mm film cassettes, the rounded end is very useful at prying seized/stuck, steel caps off the lids for pouring out formula in the developing routine.

Fooling around looking for a tool to do this in the middle of a cycle, especially in a large multiple reel tank, is a critical, and preventable deviation that can cost you good negatives from too much chemical exposure.

Stuck-on filling caps can be an issue with the SS lids/caps, but so far no significant delays in processing times.

 

[Paul Howell]

Stuck-on filling caps can be an issue with the SS lids/caps, but so far no significant delays in processing times.

I have a few issues with SS lids, for the most part I use the plastic libs and caps, I do have a Honeywell branded 35mm 8 reel tank that is just smidge too small for my plastic libs, I have to use the metal lid that matches the tank.

 

[jeffreyg]

I have been using the same Kinderman SS tanks and reels for fifty four years although I have replaced the lids a few times and as I type this have a roll of Delta 400 120 washing.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I do not remember the name of the FreeStyle brand stainless steel tank which works well. Also the NIKOR stainless steel tanks work well too. Both brands can dribble a little IF AT ALL, and I have gotten good usage from both. I have not had a problem exchanging or upgrading any products from FreeStyle directly.

 

[Vaughn]

I have been using the same Kinderman SS tanks and reels for fifty four years although I have replaced the lids a few times and as I type this have a roll of Delta 400 120 washing.

I was constantly checking and having to toss out plastic lids for the SS tanks at the university due to cracking (and leaking) around the top edges. I would order a couple dozen a year. With three 24-student beginning classes a quarter, the wear-and-tear rate was pretty high. It was too easy/mindless for them to use the heel of their hand to push slightly down on the lid, while pulling the lip of the lid up and off with their fingers -- really stresses the plastic of those lids. They were used a lot.

 

[eli griggs]

Probably, the easiest way to ensure ss tank lids caps fit and are easy to remove is to make some cardstock flattops for a smooth fitting interior, and some round, 'deep' rings for the thickness and sides of a mold that sits on top of and surrounds the card capped opening.

Use a small latex/flexible mold making kit to pour and make durable caps for developing that are easy to replace, including spares.

i suggest keeping all of these in a sealed glass jar, to prevent dust and gasses, including fresh air, from damaging them.

Years back, I worked on a project that required some small latex pieces.

I took some latex mold material and 'painted' it on the receiving device, until thick enough for the job and let it air cure, then dropped the pieces into roaring boiling water for about five minutes and these pieces are still flexible, though I do not know how well the would hold up to repeated placement and removal from a sharp edged as opening, which is why I first mentioned the newer, pour on mold making material.

Cheers.

 

[mshchem]

I just dug out my weird Hewes reels. 3 are 35mm for Jobo. 3 120 and 1 35mm for Paterson, I thought they were all for Jobo, learned something. They all fit in a normal Nikor tank (diameter)

I never found a fault with Paterson. Jobo was a bit of a learning curve. Hewes reels are the best darn reel made for 35mm.

 

[eli griggs]

I just dug out my weird Hewes reels. 3 are 35mm for Jobo. 3 120 and 1 35mm for Paterson, I thought they were all for Jobo, learned something. They all fit in a normal Nikor tank (diameter)

I never found a fault with Paterson. Jobo was a bit of a learning curve. Hewes reels are the best darn reel made for 35mm.

I like them for their quality, too.

 

[mshchem]

I have a couple Kindermann tanks, one had a lid crack after 40 years. Good ol Nikor tanks are great as Eli mentioned sealing the tank and lid with electrical tape stops most of the leaking, I would always keep a pocket knife handy to help pop off the stubborn small caps.
I have Jobo equipment now use it for most everything.
Paterson stuff works just fine and is affordable, inversion is still the most popular method of agitation and you can buy 3 or 4 Paterson reels for less than a single Hewes reel, still Hewes reels for 35mm are flawless!

 

[Twotone]

Hi folks,

A quick update:

Picked up two NOS brand new in box Hewes reels for £40, and loaded a dummy roll earlier - it almost felt too easy compared to the plastic reels I've been fighting with for the past year or so

I also bought a Nikor tank with capacity for 2 X 35mm rolls, along with two Nikor reels included for £16 which I'll be collecting when I'm in CA in June.

I'll be testing it out while I'm in the US and if I find it's not performing well, e.g. cap doesn't fit well enough etc I'll bite the bullet and get some new tanks and replacement lids from freestyle.

Will keep you posted!

Thanks