"Bruce" <null@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:ds9Hj.63262$y05.46618@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>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.
Bruce,
Okay, I'll be the contrary opinion on this one.
First, among steel 120 reels, there is a world of difference between the
reels available out there.
The generic Japanese reels commmonly available in the photo stores [when
there were photo stores] are poorly designed, i.e. mostly junk [and I own
a
buch of them] - "wire" too thin; spring clips irregular and way too
strong/tight. After trying many styles, I found that the older Nikor
reels
have a "push in to catch" system which is easy and nearly fool-proof. See
ebay. The Hewes (?) reels [English; expensive] have a good reputation as
well. With any steel reel, practice in light, and then in the dark, is
necessary to get the technique down pat. You have to learn to feel with
your fingers how the film is loading.
I do not remove the spool or the paper backing, and I load from the loose
end of the roll. The spool and backing protect the unloaded film and give
you something to hang onto. If you cannot get the thing on the reel, you
can rewrap the roll light-tight until you find another reel or your
temper.
The trick is all in getting the film centered on the reel and "caught" in
the center clip; any reel which is not damaged will load easily from that
point. Then tear off the paper backing at the other end of the loaded film
strip and chuck the paper and spool. [Bonus: since the film is already
loaded, who cares where you put the loose backing and spool.] First
unwraping the film roll and discarding the spool and backing lets the film
roll up like a window shade, to use the metaphor of another reply, but it
also invites emulsion sratches in that process as well has scratching the
edge of the roll across the emusion if you have to then struggle to get
the
reel loaded.
Once you get good reels and the technique down, loading steel reels is
much
less hassle than the "push and rock" system of plastic reels. However, if
your steel reels continue to frustrate your efforts, then go to the
plastic
and get on with something more im****tant that test driving a bunch of
reels.
Randy Stewart
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