Are the tank reels necessary for developing film?

[Redseele]

Hi everyone!

I just developed my first roll of B&W film, Tri-X 400 in Ilfosol 3. For the first time I guess the results were ok, but I did have a big problem: my film got stuck together in some areas, the product of not loading it well into the metal reel I have. I knew I would have a problem with this because I practices putting the film in the reel a few times with some throwaway film first but I never got the hold of how to do it perfectly well.

Now my question... are the reels necessary at all? When taking the film from its 35mm cannister the film unwinds by itself very nicely. Hence I was wondering if I could develop my film without using the metal reel at all.

Thank you, from someone who is only beginning to learn the basics of the darkroom. What an adventure! 🙂

 

[Ranchu]

Yes, you need to use the reel.

 

[colyn]

You'll have film stuck together without a reel..

If you have problems loading a steel reel why not get a Patterson plastic tank with plastic reels. You start the film onto the reel then twist each side back and forth to reel the film on..

 

[lynnb]

without reels the film is bound to come into contact with itself sometime during development. resulting in spots where there is uneven development. The reels prevent this happening, provided you load the film properly.

 

[f16sunshine]

Freestsyle has em

 

[furbs]

Some reels are better than others. I use stainless steel Hewes reels in a stainless steel tank. Never had a problem with film sticking on the Hewes reels, though I think a little more practice will also help you. Practice rolling unused film in the bag then take it out to see if it's touching. Repeat a few times and you'll get the hang of it.

 

[rodinal]

You can always get an old Kodak plastic tank that uses no reels but "aprons", very simple to use.

 

[GaryLH]

Some reels are better than others. I use stainless steel Hewes reels in a stainless steel tank. Never had a problem with film sticking on the Hewes reels, though I think a little more practice will also help you. Practice rolling unused film in the bag then take it out to see if it's touching. Repeat a few times and you'll get the hang of it.

Yes - practice helps a lot..u should be able by feel to tell if u have an issue w/ how your film is going onto the reel by using your finger tips to touch the top and bottom of the reel. The film edge should feel even. But also do an inspection on the reel. Make sure that nothing looks bent or out of plumb.

Gary

 

[Scrambler]

I'll second the Patterson advice. I've never had trouble with the film jumping track once it's threaded.

 

[mwooten]

I've been using a closet to load my film in at night. Fewer problems with things getting too cramped in the changing bag.

 

[gns]

No. You can develop your rolls in tanks or trays, in the dark, by holding an end in each hand and running the film back and forth by raising/lowering each hand alternately. But your arms will get tired.

 

[charjohncarter]

Freestsyle has em

I have the two reel Arista tank from Freestyle. You can hardly screw up with it. Be sure to wash completely after use.

 

[kxl]

I'll second the Patterson advice. I've never had trouble with the film jumping track once it's threaded.

I'll third the Patterson advice.

Just waste a roll of film, and thread it through the reel in daylight so you can see how it's done. Then, when you get comfortable, try it with your eyes closed. Once you feel comfortable doing that, then you're ready.

One other thing, make sure the Patterson reel is DRY.

 

[zauhar]

Get a samigon plastic reel + tank, available from
B&H . They are very easy to load .

Randy

 

[zuiko85]

I used to be a metal reel snob. Only wimps used plastic reels. Then I got an ancient used Yankee tank with two adjustable plastic reels. I bought it so I could do 16mm film as the modern Patterson reels do not go down to that size. Now, even with this 1970's plastic tank and reels I have no problem loading anything from 16mm to 120 onto the reels. the only time I use my SS tanks and reels is when I get behind on developing 35mm han have several rolls stacked up waiting. For that I have a 4 reel tank.

 

[GaryLH]

I actually don't care if it is steel or plastic. The end result is the only thing that matters. I learned way before plastic was available, since I can now do it in my sleep never used plastic ones.

Steel reels even new can come dent/warped. Plastic reels can crack... There is nothing special about either. Use what u are comfortable with. The only steel reel I hate is the old kinderman I learned on when I was in high school back in the late 60s.

Gary

 

[Montag006]

I'd like to "fourth" colyn's, Scrambler's and kxl's Paterson Tank suggestion.
I've used them since the 70's with much success!

 

[Chris101]

I have a hellofa time using plastic reels, but others I know hate metal reels. I'd suggest trying out both. The aprons work too, but you might have trouble finding them. A little practice will help and soon, you'll be loading reels in your sleep too!

 

[Redseele]

Thank you for all the responses. This was great input. The reel and metal tank I have are the Adorama-branded ones. Apparently the reels are rated quite low because they are very small and impossible to get the film to be placed correctly. I guess I'll just go back to Adorama and get the Paterson one instead 🙂

That being said, can I use the Paterson plastic reel in my metal tank? I kind of like that it's metal.

 

[Takkun]

I learned on metal spirals.
My personal preference is on the Spanish-made Omega tanks and spirals; the spirals themselves are pretty precise, ad the cap on the tank is more akin to those on the Hewes tanks. I've never been able to get a Paterson tank closed without leaking, a big deal when you're developing In the kitchen.