120 spiral loading for dummies

garyc

garyc

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Just acquired an old steel 120 film tank from eBay. From others I have seen I think it may be a Nikor clone (Dixons branded - UK readers don't laugh) - besides the reel, tank and lid, it includes a curved piece of metal with 2 edges folded over which I assume is some kind of aid to loading the reel.

Question is, does anyone know website/whatever with a copy of any instructions (pref with pictures) that could get me started. I have a sacrificial reel of old Ektachrome to practice with before I move into the changing bag.

In the meantime, I'll practice making Bloody Marys with it.
 
The idea of the loading aid is that you hold it up against the reel and use it as a guide for sliding the film in. Personally I don't think they're worth the bother.

Here's the tip I found most useful for loading 120 rollfilm: When you separate the film from the paper backing, you'll find it's secured to the backing at one end with tape. DON'T peel the tape off the film. Instead, fold it over the film end and stick it in place. The tape stiffens the end of the film, making it easier to handle and attach to the reel.

Basic procedure: Unspool the film, separate the paper backing and discard, and fold over the tape as described above. Now, starting with the taped end, grip the film by the edges and flex it lengthwise slightly so you can slide it into the reel. Attach the taped end to the clip or prong at the center of the reel. Now, keeping the film slightly flexed with one hand, hold the reel in the other hand and turn it so the film is drawn onto the spiral.

Easy enough once you've practiced (oops, sorry, "practised" to you) a bit in the light -- assuming you haven't had too many Bloody Marys!
 
jlw said:
Here's the tip I found most useful for loading 120 rollfilm: When you separate the film from the paper backing, you'll find it's secured to the backing at one end with tape. DON'T peel the tape off the film. Instead, fold it over the film end and stick it in place. The tape stiffens the end of the film, making it easier to handle and attach to the reel.
Click to expand...

I don't have any experience with steel tanks/reels, but I'd like to add something to the above advice. If you *DO* decide to peel the sticky piece which holds paper backing in place, do it SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY!!!! - if you don't you're bound to have some nice effects on negative from static discharging....

Don't ask me how I know... :(

Denis
 
It's also important that the end of the film clipped to the reel be centered. If it isn't the edge of the film will take off in the wrong track. Practice in daylight, then with your eyes closed. When I load film in my changing bag I often find I'm doing it with my eyes closed even though I'm in a room with the lights on.:)

jlw said:
The idea of the loading aid is that you hold it up against the reel and use it as a guide for sliding the film in. Personally I don't think they're worth the bother.

Here's the tip I found most useful for loading 120 rollfilm: When you separate the film from the paper backing, you'll find it's secured to the backing at one end with tape. DON'T peel the tape off the film. Instead, fold it over the film end and stick it in place. The tape stiffens the end of the film, making it easier to handle and attach to the reel.

Basic procedure: Unspool the film, separate the paper backing and discard, and fold over the tape as described above. Now, starting with the taped end, grip the film by the edges and flex it lengthwise slightly so you can slide it into the reel. Attach the taped end to the clip or prong at the center of the reel. Now, keeping the film slightly flexed with one hand, hold the reel in the other hand and turn it so the film is drawn onto the spiral.

Easy enough once you've practiced (oops, sorry, "practised" to you) a bit in the light -- assuming you haven't had too many Bloody Marys!
Click to expand...
 
Be gentle - you'll get crescent-moon-shaped pressure marks on your film if it buckles or pinches while loading. It tends to happen with 120 more often than 135 since the film is so wide. Wear cotton gloves so that you can handle the film without fear of fingerprints.

Lots of people repeat this, but it's of a psychological aid to remember that 120 is easier to load than 135, because it doesn't have those cursed sprocket holes. :)

Aside from making sure the clip is centered before you begin (alignment is absolutely the key to painless loading) observe the natural curl of the film and make sure you're not bending it backwards as you spin the spiral. I orient the film one way to get it in the clip, then flip the whole assembly over to do the spooling.
 
tetrisattack said:
Be gentle - you'll get crescent-moon-shaped pressure marks on your film if it buckles or pinches while loading.

...

(alignment is absolutely the key to painless loading) observe the natural curl of the film and make sure you're not bending it backwards as you spin the spiral.

...
Click to expand...

Don't forget alignment is absolutely the key to painless loading. You may make a mistake a time or two while you are learning to do it right. Don't get discouraged. It happens to everyone, sometimes, even after you are good at it.

Did anybody mention that alignment is absolutely the key to painless loading?
 
Thanks for all your replies, sounds like I don't have to worry about the metal guide, just the alignment (which I gather is the key to painless loading). I have a child and wife free weekend coming up, so I'll be trying it our then.

Cheers, Gary
 
I have a centre loading plastic reel (Gepe) that came with a loader, and I find it very easy to use. Never once had a problem.

Mine clips to the "axle" of the reel, with part of the loader resting on the outer part of the reel and a tongue that slots into a clip by the centre core. Feed the film through the loader and clip it on to the centre, the just wind the reel. I've even loaded a badly kinked piece of film.

Give the loader a try, you may find it easier.

Can you post a picture?

Paul
 
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