pschauss
Well-known
Try to find some old Nikor stainless steel reels. The clips on these reels make it much easier to center the film which is key to getting it to load properly.
Elektrojänis
Established
I had similar troubles in the summer. I did something similar... But I didn't even need to put the fan in the changing bag. I just took a tabletop fan and put it behind me on the floor to cool the rest of my body. That was enough to make my hands sweat less too and the loading became easy again.
Before figuring that one out I also thought of changing my patterson reels to stainless ones, but I'm not sure how easy that would in a small space in the changing bag.
Bobfrance
Over Exposed
I use steel spirals. The spirals require a little technique but with a little practice you'll be fine and spirals require no fiddly upkeep (unless you bend them).
Changing bags are a disaster IMHO. If you can make a small room or pantry light-fast you will never look back.
Bob.
Changing bags are a disaster IMHO. If you can make a small room or pantry light-fast you will never look back.
Bob.
rodinal
film user
Loading a 120 reel is much, much more difficult than loading a 135 reel. Doing this (with your hands) inside a changing bag is truly a nightmare. Try to load your reels in the open air in your darkroom (or closet or whatever) by night. You can try a changing "tent" instead, they are very comfortable to use.
JeffL
Well-known
IMO the Nikor 120 reels are great. I have two with the clips. Best I've used.
I keep an eye open for more.
Quality "anything" works best, especially reels.
parkpy
Member
I used a bunch of Kalts, and used Nikor reel and hewed reel before I realized how a slight misalignment caused me to fumble loading film. I bought a brand new Hewes 120 reel and have been rolling perfectly since.
I have extremely sweaty hands, so I actually wear lint free gloves. I still have to load the reel quickly before my sweat seeps through the gloves.
The Hewes has a superior edge catch than the generic reels. By far.
I have extremely sweaty hands, so I actually wear lint free gloves. I still have to load the reel quickly before my sweat seeps through the gloves.
The Hewes has a superior edge catch than the generic reels. By far.
SilverPix
Member
Had the same experience with changing bags even in arid So Cal. So I just wait till it is dark and family has shut off all the lights, use an interior bathroom and Hewes reels (well worth the money and better than Nikor 35 and 120) makes loading a breeze. It's amazing how fast those bags steam up.
jwicaksana
Jakarta, Indonesia
Garry, have you tried AP brand tanks? They have bigger lips that help with first loading. I have AP and Paterson sets, and AP has better reels but Paterson definitely has the better tank.
http://www.google.com/imgres?client...bnh=163&tbnw=246&start=0&ndsp=19&tx=150&ty=87
http://www.google.com/imgres?client...bnh=163&tbnw=246&start=0&ndsp=19&tx=150&ty=87
thegman
Veteran
I think that reel is the same as a Samigon, looks similar enough. I think maybe suggestion to wear gloves is a good idea, sweaty hands may be my downfall.
Moto-Uno
Moto-Uno
Another advantage to the small fan in the end of the bag ( besides cooling your hands)
is that the forced air actually inflates the bag and improves the working space. Give it a
try. Peter
is that the forced air actually inflates the bag and improves the working space. Give it a
try. Peter
f16sunshine
Moderator
I've never become a fan of stainless reels. One wrong bounce or drop and you're screwed.
The Plastic Arista reels with the longer tongue work great for 135 or 120.
Tricks:
1. Get rid of the ball bearings! Those things are trouble. Learn to use your thumbs to hold the film from backing out if you use the back and forth twist on method. It's a simple and inuative motion. The bearings are the number one cause of issues.
2. Always buff the spiral splines of each DRY reel with a DRY toothbrush. Any left over dried on residue from soap or water can cause binding once the film is introduced. I do this right before loading every single time. Makes a big difference.
3. If it's a hot day and you think your hands might perspire... wear exam gloves in your darkroom or changing bag.
We all probably have a box of these around. I use Nitrile but latex is fine. The stay dry on the outside even if you're sweating a bit on the inside. No more sweat... moisture problem solved.
The Plastic Arista reels with the longer tongue work great for 135 or 120.
Tricks:
1. Get rid of the ball bearings! Those things are trouble. Learn to use your thumbs to hold the film from backing out if you use the back and forth twist on method. It's a simple and inuative motion. The bearings are the number one cause of issues.
2. Always buff the spiral splines of each DRY reel with a DRY toothbrush. Any left over dried on residue from soap or water can cause binding once the film is introduced. I do this right before loading every single time. Makes a big difference.
3. If it's a hot day and you think your hands might perspire... wear exam gloves in your darkroom or changing bag.
We all probably have a box of these around. I use Nitrile but latex is fine. The stay dry on the outside even if you're sweating a bit on the inside. No more sweat... moisture problem solved.
Montag006
Established
I'm a big Patterson fan for both 35mm and 120.
I like Andy's idea of using gloves...
My method is (i) an inside bathroom and (ii) for 120 I pull - ideally the tape end -
a little further into the spool maybe 2-3 cms
I like Andy's idea of using gloves...
My method is (i) an inside bathroom and (ii) for 120 I pull - ideally the tape end -
a little further into the spool maybe 2-3 cms
I like the simple stainless reels, and better they be the larger diameter for the bigger tanks (mine are Kindermann). Larger wire size, easier to load, less picky. But they have to be kept straight, and I check mine if I have any suspicion they're out of whack. Easy to straighten, truly. But I suspect a lot of folks don't check for that...