Winding 120 film onto a stainless steel reel straight

I tried loading 120 onto a non-Hewes reel with a similar spring clip about a week ago. I found it difficult to keep the film perfectly straight as it goes under the spring. It may well be do to my lack of practice with loading 120 onto SS reels. I'm comfortable using my 35mm Hewes reels; do the 120 Hewes reels offer as much of an advantage as the 35mm ones do?

I only have complete thumb and index fingers on my right hand, and most of the feeling gone (tactile sense) from nerve damage caused by an accident, and enjoy the fact 120 film dang near loads itself onto SS reels. I couldn't load a plastic reel if my life depended on it(I've tried too many times).The trick is to feel the film edges to make sure it is centered in the reel before you wind the rest on. I have pretty much ceased using 35mm film because I can't load it in either a plastic or SS reel easily.

Rick A said:

I only have complete thumb and index fingers on my right hand, and most of the feeling gone (tactile sense) from nerve damage caused by an accident, and enjoy the fact 120 film dang near loads itself onto SS reels. I couldn't load a plastic reel if my life depended on it(I've tried too many times).The trick is to feel the film edges to make sure it is centered in the reel before you wind the rest on. I have pretty much ceased using 35mm film because I can't load it in either a plastic or SS reel easily.

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Rick,

As an aside, the Hewes 35mm reels have two little metal hooks at the center of the wheel which fit perfectly in the sprocket holes on either side. Once you have the film properly hooked on the little hooks it's even easier than 120 to load.

Just in case you felt a hankering to shoot some 35 again.

The Hewes 35mm reels are great, one of these days I'll probably get one in 120.
I've got plenty of history with Nikor and other brand reels, and was surprised at how much easier the Hewes are.

Thomas Bertilsson said:

Rick,

As an aside, the Hewes 35mm reels have two little metal hooks at the center of the wheel which fit perfectly in the sprocket holes on either side. Once you have the film properly hooked on the little hooks it's even easier than 120 to load.

Just in case you felt a hankering to shoot some 35 again.

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I have Hewes reels, but diminished tactile senses make it all but impossible for me to feel when things are "right", I try to listen to my film to ascertain if it is loading properly(yes, you can hear the diff.) I still load short rolls occasionally, but 36 exp. rolls don't fare so well for me.

Thomas Bertilsson said:

Matt, I developed some C41 and b&w 120 film last weekend, and wasn't well able to do as I suggested above. I don't know what functionality your arm has, but I WAS able to load it using one hand and my other hand closed to a fist.
Using a changing bag, and holding the film in my right hand I rested the reel on the table surface. I used my closed fist to hold the reel in place and was able to also press down on the spring to allow the film leader into its lock. After that it was easy to 'roll' the reel to catch the film and spool it up. Tearing the film off the backing paper was a different story, however. Maybe scissors would do well here, which would also avoid the potential of static charge releases.

Anyway, I think with some practice it's doable, but it seems one needs a second arm to do it as far as I can tell, even if there is no fully functioning hand present.

How do you load your reels for processing now, Matt?

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Thanks Thomas. Your efforts are appreciated!

I've highlighted in your post the part of the process that my right hand just won't cooperate with - you are able to reach in with your other hand and press down on the spring.

I can hold the reel between my hand and my body, and I can hold the reel between my two hands, and I can use my left hand to do all the other necessary things with the film and the reel, but if my left hand is dealing with the film, I just can't free up a finger that is flexible and controllable and strong and long enough to be able to reach and press down on the spring.

I can generally load the 120 film into steel reels - I just can't get it to stay there when I use rotary agitation.

I can load 120 into the plastic Paterson-like reels with the wider flanges - probably can use the Paterson reels too in a pinch.

I can load 135 in either the Paterson, Paterson-like or no-name steel reels. I like the steel reels that require you to stick the film into a "C" shaped gap and then pull back to crimp it in place.

One needs to practice with a practice roll in daylight, watching what they are doing. Practice practice practice until you can do it with your eyes closed. Then, practice in a changing bag or the darkroom. If you can do it in your practice session, you will be able to do it for reel, oops, I mean for real.

If you can't, maybe ........well never mind, just remember, if at first you don't succeed, try try again. Good luck.