Jammed Reels

[Maxapple88]

It happened again and I don't know why. The film kept on jamming in the reel and about two thirds in it just wouldn't continue spooling. I tried five times with two different reels. Then I was so frustrated with the roll that I tore it to shreds and threw it out. Shame, I think there were some good shots on there. Why does this happen? The reels are clean, Tri-X seems to be "stickier" than others.

Anyone else have experience with Paterson plastic reels jamming?

 

[kbg32]

I would suggest forgoing a roll and keep practicing until you get it right. This does not sound right. Tri-x is no "stickier" than any other film stock. Where are you loading the reels, in a steam room? Is this 120 or 35mm? I always hated plastic reels. Steel reels are so much "cleaner".

 

[ibcrewin]

Funny you mention this.. That happend with me with a stainless steel reel. I got to frame 17 then it would just not load up properly. I know it was frame 17 because that's where I cut it and clipped it to the next reel..

Probably user error on my part. Were your reels completely dry?

 

[BSchall]

Have you tried rounding off the corners of the leading edge of the film before you load. You can nip the corners with scissors, careful that you don't nip the end of your finger, or nip the corners with a nail clipper, leaves a nice rounded corner and safer for your fingers.

 

[Tom A]

When you trim the end of the film to go on a Paterson reel, be careful not to cut through sprockets. There will be a little piece of "edge" that will with unswerwing accuracy decide to fold over and jam about 1/2 way trhough the loading process.
I assume that your reels were bone dry and that the film had no moisture on it.
Also check that the small steel balls move freely in its "cage" as they are the ones that provide the feed of the film. I never leave my reels in the darkroom once they are used, the sit on top of my drymount press in the office. That way the higher moisture of a bathroom/darkroom wont keep them moist.

 

[sockeyed]

When my Patterson reels get sticky, it's often because of a small amount of residue buildup in the grooves. I found that running something like a small bamboo BBQ skewer along the grooves makes a world of difference.

 

[csisfun]

Yea, I'd say keep those reels super-dry. It's a necessity, or else your film might get stuck halfway and it's super annoying if that happens.

Also, do remember to clip the edges of your film. Round them off, and you'll find that loading is a real pleasure... not horror.

 

[maddoc]

At least with plastic reels from JOBO, don't use wetting agent (final step to prevent from dry marks) with the film on the reels. Remove the rinsed, wet film from the reels and dip it into an very big plastic container filled with the wetting agent. Wetting agent builds up some sticky film on plastic surfaces.

Cheers,

Maddoc