Help! Tank spool doesn't fit 36 exposures

[maitrestanley]

I have a couple standard Patterson tanks, each with the plastic film spools (the one's that twist and simultaneously takes up the film). The spools seem to fit 24exp. of film just fine but when I try to load them with 36exp. of film, a section of it never fits!

This means a lot of the film is left unwound just outside of the spool and often overlaps flat against another section of film, hindering development in those regions.

Has anyone else experienced this? How can I 'safely' develop 36exposures?

 

[rogue_designer]

I have never run into that before.. if it's not an error in loading, I'd say it's time to get new spools.

 

[chrish]

mine gets tricky when it comes to the last few frames on a 36 roll. i always just force it. havent had a problem yet!

 

[markinlondon]

Your reels may have deposits built up in the film tracks. Try scrubbing them with sodium bicarbonate and a toothbrush. Otherwise they may be wearing out. Try to avoid dunking you reels in photoflo, it leaves a deposit that never cleans up and causes film to jam. Paterson reels normally take 36 shot rolls with no problem.

 

[maitrestanley]

The thing is, after developing, when looking at the spool, the film is all the way to the center of the spool and can't really go any further. I guess I might need new spools haha

 

[Robert]

I used to have this problem. The spools have to be very dry as a small drop of water will stop the film from loading.

 

[Ororaro]

Cut the beginning of the film more. Usually there is about 4 frames in there you can save.

 

[40oz]

^^ I was going to say to cut off the leader and the tail, as well.