Looking to start developing black and white film at home. Interested in picking up a stainless tank that would fit at least a 120 or 35mm reel, one of each stainless 120 and 35mm reels, and a couple of clips.
I have no dog in this hunt and I have given away dozens of stainless steel reels and tanks over the past few years. Have you ever used plastic reels and tanks? Some, including me, find them easier to work with than the stainless. Bill "Who has owned and used both" Barber
I have a set of Nikor tank and reels. You have to develop a "feel" to use them well, once practiced it is a nice way to go but I never got the knack of it. Bob.
I have no dog in this hunt and I have given away dozens of stainless steel reels and tanks over the past few years. Have you ever used plastic reels and tanks? Some, including me, find them easier to work with than the stainless. Bill "Who has owned and used both" Barber
Are they easier to work with? I haven't developed film since graphics arts class in high school, which is now over 20 years ago. I used stainless back then and figured that was the way to go.
Opinions vary, and each has advantages and disadvantages. I have a couple of SS reels available, a 35 and a 120, basically for the cost of postage, if you're interested.
I use both regularly and find them both to have pros and cons. The plastic ones cant be wet at all so you cant reload them if you need to re-fix your film. Once you unload it it out. Steel is easy to reload wet.
Its easier to overlap on a steel reel especially if they are bent at all.
The plastic reels are relatively inexpensive and can be adjusted to fit both 35mm and 120. I have enough where I don't need to worry about not having a dry one. A Patterson tank and two reels should get you started and you can add on as your needs change. With someone offering free steel reels and a tank for postage, you might give that a try and see if it fits your needs. Bill Barber