How do I use these ?

[srtiwari]

Somehow acquired these guys, which are (apparently) film loading guides (35mm and 120). Nothing intuitive about how to use those 'arms'. (They don't necessarily fit, or sit snug on the ooutside of the film spools). Has anyone used these ? Has anyone ever even seen these ? I am hoping (once I know how) they will simplify my loading film onto reels, which is sometimes a struggle. I would love some guidance/feedback/advice etc...

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The round things on the ends of the arms snap into the center of a reel (on both sides of the reel), but they only work on the reels made by whoever manufactured the devices you have, due to different reel manufacturers using different size 'cores' in the reels. The idea behind them is that the curved piece of metal guides the film into the reel with the right amount of bend so it goes into the reel smoothly, without you having to have the practice it takes to be able to do it by feel yourself. I think they're more trouble than they're worth.

 

[srtiwari]

Hi Chris. No idea who made them, so can't quite match reels. The 120 one is wide enough but does not grab onto the spool. The space between the arms on the 35mm is too narrow for a 35mm spool.

 

[Rob-F]

Well, the main part of it is used to hold the film into what is theoretically the proper curve for winding it onto the reel without buckling or kinking. I have one or two of those around here. Someplace. I think. Mine do not have those funny extensions on them. I can't do better than your idea that they are suppose to fit into the center open area of the reel, probably to establish the proper spacing. If not for that, I don't see what else they can possibly do. Yet they don't fit your reels? Is it possible they were made for reels different than yours?

 

[PMCC]

Interesting contraptions. Never seen the like before, so this is a wild-ass guess.

The disks at the ends of the arms look like they'd sit on either end of the core of the developing reel. Maybe the arms reach across the radius of the reel and clamp on. If so, that would allow the curved scoop to cradle the film as you wind it from the spool onto the reel. Looks like you have them folded up -- I imagine you need to pivot the arms 180 degrees from the position in the picture in order to have a fighting chance of fitting them on the reel.

 

[Roger Hicks]

The round things on the ends of the arms snap into the center of a reel (on both sides of the reel), but they only work on the reels made by whoever manufactured the devices you have, due to different reel manufacturers using different size 'cores' in the reels. The idea behind them is that the curved piece of metal guides the film into the reel with the right amount of bend so it goes into the reel smoothly, without you having to have the practice it takes to be able to do it by feel yourself. I think they're more trouble than they're worth.

Dear Chris,

Seconded. My first developing tank, bought second-hand in 1966 or 1967, came with one. I don't think I've used it since 1966 or 67.

Cheers,

R.