metal film reel

[pixelated]

It's entirely possible to successfully load Nikor, Omega, Brooks, Kindermann and every other brand of reel that isn't Hewes, I've done it for many years, and I have a pile of most of those.
But, I don't regret for one second buying a Hewes reel a couple of years ago, yes, IMHO, they are that good.
One caveat, since they are a little thicker wire than the usual, some tanks aren't quite deep enough if you are using two reels. The Hewes does fit nicely in my Nikor single reel tank though.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I find the Hewes reels very easy to load and I think the thicker wire is an asset.

Yeah, they're 30 bucks, but if you take care of them they will last you decades. Think of how many rolls of film you will load over all those decades, and even if it's only 5% easier each time you load a roll, over thirty or more years, that easily justifies $30. Just saying'.

 

[Ronald M]

Yes everyone likes Hewes `cept me. I will try again.

But I have a lifetime supply of Nikors.

 

[GarageBoy]

I hope hewes never goes out of business... I wish there were nicer tanks for them...

 

[Colin Corneau]

Cameras, lenses, film, any equipment -- spend the money at the outset and do it right.

Do that and you'll never regret it. You save more than if you cheap out and spend years afterwards re-doing things, missing shots or stressing out.

 

[giganova]

I love the Jobi plastic reels. It's very easy to slide in the film if you make a slight arc. However, as emulsion builds up at the reels, I find it harder & harder to slide them in.

What's the best way to get rid of emulsion buildup? I tried a soapy bath and cleaning with a tooth brush, but it doesn't do much.