Are stainless spirals easier for 120 ?

[starless]

Once you do it right, loading stainless reels is the easiest and fastest thing in the world. I'd recommend Kindermann.
A big advantage is that SS reels don't need to be completely dry before you load them.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I always used plastic reels for 35mm and stainless for 120. I hated stainless for 35mm and hated the plastic for 120 due to similar issues.

Exact opposite: I use stainless for 35 and Jobo plastic for 120. Which shows how personal it is.

Cheers,

R.

 

[gns]

This same topic resurfaces pretty regularly. Each system seems to have its share of fans and haters. I suspect people sometimes try to load film once or twice and get frustrated because it doesn't work right away.
I have only used SS reels (both 120 and 135) and can tell you that they work great and are easy to load, but will take a little bit of practice to get comfortable with (I imagine exactly the same is true with plastic reels). Practice on a junk roll of film in light a few times.

Gary

 

[mbisc]

Ahhh -- another steel reel vs. plastic reel debate :bang: :bang: :bang:

 

[Pete B]

I'm another voting for SS for both 135 and 120.
Pete

 

[Peter_Jones]

I've developed 120 before without problems, I suspect the reels have got a bit grabby and/or warm hands in a small changing bag creating a humid atmosphere. Getting the film to load was ok, and the rotary twisting was working to feed the film onto the reel, then it would suddenly get tight and buckle the film. Did this with 2 different reels.

Just gets to the point where you get fed up and still have a few films to go. The 35mm should be straightforward though 🙄

Keeping my eye out for stainless (got one for 35mm somewhere but never used it)

 

[Roger Hicks]

Well, I do use both for both. The preference is minor, but as stated above: SS for 35mm (and 70mm), plastic for 16mm, 127, 120/220.

Cheers,

R.

 

[MISH]

I would imagine that the Hewes 120 reels are pretty nice, but I would like to second starless and recommend Kindermann for 120. I have been using mine for twenty plus years and have never once had a problem

 

[Bingley]

Having just had loads of fun trying to get 120 (Acros) onto Paterson spirals, and ending up with stress marks/kinks on the images 😡 , I'm seriously considering investing in stainless steel (and a larger changing bag).

How easy/difficult are they with 120 film ?

I had exactly your experience w/ loading 120 on to Patterson reels. I bought a stainless steel Hewes reel for 120 and haven't looked back. Much easier.

 

[PMCC]

Well, I do use both for both. The preference is minor, but as stated above: SS for 35mm (and 70mm), plastic for 16mm, 127, 120/220.

I prefer stainless for everything, including 127. Yes, Hewes made (makes?) SS reels for 127. Now if only someone would resurrect the film (RIP Efke).

 

[BenJT]

I put 120 on a plastic paterson reel for the first time today and it wasn't so bad, but I agree with others that the guides are too damn small. I would have the film lined up and beginning to go in the guides and then the slightest amount of pressure would cause the film to buckle, having to start over again. Once it was in there good it was easier to get all of it on the reel then with 35mm.

 

[skibeerr]

The ball bearings in the Paterson reels lock on to the film with each forward movement so you don't have to touch the film with your fingers. The trick is to ensure they move freely before you start loading, once stuck it's a pita.

For SS reels take an expendable roll of film and practice, first in daylight then in the dark.
This might save you trouble later.

I prefer SS reels for stand.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I prefer stainless for everything, including 127. Yes, Hewes made (makes?) SS reels for 127. Now if only someone would resurrect the film (RIP Efke).

I have one. Also 70mm...

Cheers,

R.

 

[Peter_Jones]

Just done 2 more films with the same reels - 35mm Acros with no loading problems, and 120 HP5 with no loading problems.

I can only conclude that the reels were contaminated 🙁

Still going to go stainless.

 

[zsas]

Metal with a clip are the cat's pj's! *says the guy who converted from Patterson to 120 reels with metal clips, like the below*

Best of luck!
http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/m/mzf7oo6zXVBuikpaTxU0wqw/140.jpg