sepiareverb
genius and moron
Steel reels here, since 1982. I can count the number of 'mishaps' on one hand. (though one time I was part of a misloaded bunch of reels when sitting in the dark with another guy loading 50 reels for a big bulk tank- we got talking and weren't paying attention- and it was like 2am after a long days shoot) I could never load a 220 metal reel, so just stopped using 220 B&W (when I shot MF). I've never had a Hewes reel- pricey! I've currently got 25 reels and have replaced about three of mine over the years- every time because I dropped one. I'd rather replace a $12 mid-range reel than a $20 Hewes one, but maybe the Hewes could take a hit better?
Kodak's Photo Flo seems much better when mixed with distilled water, which we use at work (college) because they make it in the Science Wing. Before we switched the reels were forever sticky and films were left with residue. I use Sprint End Run in my regular water here and have never had problems with it. I mix it up in a gallon cube-itanier and fill a 1 reel tank with it when I run film. Films go into it from the washer and while I wipe down one the next gets it's bath.
I used a squeegie once, then threw it away so I wouldn't make that mistake again. I use the Photo Wipes (now from Tidi Products #911900) 1/2 a wipe per roll. Best thing for wiping down films. Removes 80% of the moisture without scratches so films dry very fast even in VT humidity. Less time for dust to settle on wet film and stick. Even in the gang lab at work Photo Wipes have about eliminated dust on films. They really work.
Kodak's Photo Flo seems much better when mixed with distilled water, which we use at work (college) because they make it in the Science Wing. Before we switched the reels were forever sticky and films were left with residue. I use Sprint End Run in my regular water here and have never had problems with it. I mix it up in a gallon cube-itanier and fill a 1 reel tank with it when I run film. Films go into it from the washer and while I wipe down one the next gets it's bath.
I used a squeegie once, then threw it away so I wouldn't make that mistake again. I use the Photo Wipes (now from Tidi Products #911900) 1/2 a wipe per roll. Best thing for wiping down films. Removes 80% of the moisture without scratches so films dry very fast even in VT humidity. Less time for dust to settle on wet film and stick. Even in the gang lab at work Photo Wipes have about eliminated dust on films. They really work.
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Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I used a changing bag once to load a 120 reel on a thirty plus degree day with high humidity here in Brisbane ... never again!
By the time I got my hands out of that bag it was like Borneo in monsoon season.
By the time I got my hands out of that bag it was like Borneo in monsoon season.
AgentX
Well-known
I've lately had to use a too-small changing bag (an old one, too) which probably accounts for at least some of the dusty scratchyness of my recent negs, especially when I try to do 2 120 reels in a single tank. Not a lot of spare room in there!
Just got the "changing room" dark bag in the mail and am looking forward to the luxury of having some space to work.
Just got the "changing room" dark bag in the mail and am looking forward to the luxury of having some space to work.