Re: Film reels jamming (Developer tank)

"Christopher Loffredo" <me@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:642tpkF29m659U1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Bogdan Karasek wrote:
>> HI,
>>
>> I've been using Paterson reels for about 10 years now. 
>> The film gets stuck occasionally, maybe a doz times in 
>> ten years.  Those I mark and put aside.  The usual cause 
>> of jamming is because the reel is not completely dry.
>>
>> Cheers, Bogdan
>>
>
> Hi,
>
> I've been using Paterson reels (off & on) for about 30 
> years. :-)
>
> It's just that I've had a 10 year pause, and now in a 
> different country and with developing tanks recently 
> bought through internet actions, I find this problem being 
> regular instead of very occasional as you mention.
>
> I'll soon try some of the more produtive suggestions:
>
> I normally never rinse my reels & tanks after using 
> Photoflo; in the past that was never a problem, now it 
> might be since I am using a different (and very old) type 
> of wetting agent (possibly also the cause of spots on my 
> negatives - will change imediately). My reels are now 
> soaking in hot water.
>
> Also, my bathroom is very humid, I will certainly keep my 
> tank out of it until just before loading the film.
>
> I'll post the results of the "new regime" in a couple of 
> days....
>
> Thanks for all input so far.
>
> Chris
>
>
     If you think the sticking is caused by some sort of 
residue you can try cleaning the reels with a toothbrush and 
toothpaste. Toothpaste has a very mild abrasive in it along 
with a detergent and will clean and polish surfaces without 
damaging them (except don't use it on lenses).
     Although sticking is very often attributed to residue 
from wetting agent I suspect it is mostly due to the reels 
being slightly out of parallel or not being quite the right 
width. Hot water washing after use should eliminate any 
residue and, if the film is washed on the reel, there really 
shouldn't be any residue at all.
     I have used stainless steel tanks for many years and 
seldom have loading problems. When I do they usually happen 
in hot weather or when loading in a changing bag where 
moisture from my hands makes the film limp and perhaps 
swells it slightly. It helps to trim off the corners even 
when using stainless steel reels.
     I use a final rinse composed of Photo-Flo at half 
strength and isopropyl alcohol. For a liter of rinse add 
about 30ml of 70% rubbing alcohol (make sure it doesn't have 
oil of wintergreen or anything else in it). The amount is 
not critical so you can use the same amount of 91% or 
anhydrous alcohol. Photo-Flow at half recommended strength, 
half a capful for a liter. Soak the film in this for about a 
minute before hanging up to dry.
     Edwal wetting agent appears to be the same stuff as 
Photo-Flo plus some alcohol.
     I usually wash out the tanks and reels in hot water as 
soon as I finish using them.


-- 
---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@[EMAIL PROTECTED]