Any tips on loading 120 film on Hewes reels

[semrich]

I just finished my first roll of 120 HP5 from my new Agfa Super Isolette and I'm hot to develop it.

The problem is I'm finding it very different than loading 135 on my Hewes reels which is breeze.

I have been practicing with my sacrificial roll of film and its difficult with my eyes open I can't at this point imagine doing this with my eyes closed.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[dnk512]

Sorry, no experience with Hewes 120. I do use Hewes 35mm and Kindernmann 120 and 35mm. Each has a different way of holding the begging of the film. The goal in each is to provide some traction without bending the film backwards (that is without bending the edges toward you). if you can anchor it with a neutral bend, then all it takes is to keep a bit of curvature with your guiding hand. Desired curvature is edges into the spiral, middle bend away from the spiral.

Because the 120 is so big and because some spirals bend the film the wrong way at the initial hook, some folks simply hold the start of the film with pressure of the fingers against the axis of the spiral. The rest I find a lot easier than 35mm as the emulsion is easier to control (size) and finishes quickly (length).

 

[Trius]

This may sound counter-intuitive, but ... try loading the practice roll with your eyes closed or, better yet, in the darkroom if you have one. Honestly, you may find it easier if you let your sense of touch be the only input. That's how I learned to load film properly ... "watching" myself (eyes open) only served to make it more difficult.

I haven't used the Hewes reels; for 120 I've used Kinderman. The other key in loading film (whether 35mm, 127 or 120) is the arch or curl you give the film across the short dimension. Too little or too much will cause misfeeding. Again, it is easier to learn this by learning it through your hands, not your eyes. At least for me.

Earl

 

[semrich]

dnk512 & Trius - Thank you both for your input, it helped.

I took out the changing bag (tent) threw the reel in and the roll of film and just did it. It took some struggling for a while then I just relaxed, dropped my shoulders and got the lead edge under the retaining spring, felt for a square lead edge and started winding the film on and was done with it.

Now that I know I can do it I will practice a few more times and do it for real this weekend.