In article <ds9Hj.63262$y05.46618@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>,
"Bruce" <null@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> I am just getting into 120 format B/W film processesing. The problem I
am
> having is loading the film onto the reel. I have done a lot of 35 mm
> processing in the past and didn't have a big problem with loading the
reels,
> however I find the 120 format to be a lot more difficult. The main
problem
> seems to be the paper backing and the stiffer base, or "curliness", of
the
> 120 film. The reel I am using has a spring type clip.
>
> Anybody have some tips for doing this? Should I cut the film off of the
> paper reel first? Would it make sense to unroll the first part of the
film
> and clip it on (in reduced light of course) and then roll on the rest of
the
> reel? If so how do I stop the rest of the spool from unreeling while I
am
> clipping the leader on? Also I have seen the the past these "ratchet"
type
> reels, are these a better alternative?
>
> I suspect the answer is practice makes perfect, I have a sacrificial
roll of
> film I am practicing with, but that first step of clipping onto the reel
is
> a bear! Even with the lights on it is a pain to do it, in the dark it
is
> much worse.
Sounds like you are wrestling with steel reels and tanks. Good choice!
Here are some hints:
In your film-loading area -- not "reduced light" but completely
light-tight and no light at all -- step one is to unspool the entire
roll and drop the film spool in a handy container (such as the floor
until you put the lights back on).
Step two: completely remove the paper -- it is taped at one end and free
at the other. Take it off, crumple it up, and have it join the spool.
Step three: as soon as you take off the paper the film will roll back up
faster than an out of control window shade. This is a good thing because
it rolls emulsion-in
Step four: with steel reels you load from the inside out -- same as 35mm
but wider film and shorter length. The thing to practice is getting the
film clipped in and wound without crumpling it or getting fingerprints
all over the emulsion. White cotton gloves are a good idea.
Step five: once the film is on the reel check -- with your gloved
fingers -- that the film fits somewhat loosely in the grooves, and that
the film isn't stuck to itself. Then just pop the reel in the tank (you
did remember to bring the tank into the dark side, didn't you?) close
the tank and turn on the lights.
Don't forget to throw out the litter.
Practice hint: do it _once_ while looking, then only practice with your
eyes closed. You have to learn what it feels like when things went well
and when they didn't go so well.
The ratcheting kind of reels, plastic, usually in a Paterson tank, are
much easier for 35mm since that has more rigidity than 2-1/4. I've
ruined many more rolls of 120 on plastic reels than ever on steel reels.
Hope this helps
--
k
|
