How much manhandling can a roll take?

[dogbunny]

I've been developing film for a little bit now. Today I had a btch of a time getting a roll to load on the spool. It took about 10 minutes, and felt like a lifetime. I was trying to load roll of Delta 3200. It kept curling in on itself. I could feel it inside the bag, but I just couldn't get it to go the way I wanted. Eventually I realized that there was a little nib on the end where I cut it of. It was keeping it from loading correctly.

I eventually got it loaded and developed, but when I went to hang it, I could see I'd damaged the roll. I lost about 25% of the pictures. They have strange creases--jagged lines running their length. It was hot in that bag and I was starting to sweat a bit.

So, a couple of questions:

As the title asks, how much can I manipulate a roll without causing damage?

Are different ISO films more sensitive to being poked and prodded?

How do you deal with this? I was half thinking just to walk away and come at it again later.

I know these question seem a bit pedantic, but I figure I ask once, then I don't have to ask again.

Thanks in advance,

DB

 

[mgd711]

I can't answer your other questions but I've found living in tropical Asia it pay's to cool the room right down to reduce the moisture in the air and if the I have a stubborn roll off film I just roll it up and drop it in the tank and come back to it 30 or so minutes later.

When I started developing film I lost quite a few roll's off film as it started to get really humid inside the bag and that made matters worse. Now I use a tent but you can achieve the same result by sticking a cardboard box inside your dark bag. Prevents the bag from clinging to your hands and film when it starts to get a bit humid.

 

[tlitody]

its an occupational hazard. The trick is proper preparation. Make sure reels are scrupulously clean so they are not at all sticky from residual chemicals (which can cause dev contamination) and when you trim film always snip the sharp corners off so they don't catch. Then just before loading wash hands in cold water so they are clean and cool. Then go for it. Don't rush as that just leads to problems. And if its very hot, open the freezer and lean in there whilst doing it so you don't overheat. Just don't fall in else you'll be a stiff. 😀

 

[f16sunshine]

Use a dry toothbrush to scrub the dry reels right before putting them in the bag. Any residue will be "polished" of this way (plastic or stainless reels both can benefit). If your hands are prone to perspiring. Try wearing a pair of latex gloves. I've never done this but have a friend who does swear by it.

 

[dogbunny]

Thanks for the responses. I'll give it a go again today. I have ten rolls worth of practice waiting for me.

Cheers,

DB

 

[KenR]

Humidity does seem to be the crucial factor in my experience. Generally I have no problems loading reels in the winter months but come the hot, humid summer months and there are often problems. Cursing and sweating seem to make things worse, so maybe the best thing is to pack things up for a bit and try again later.