My reels are driving me nutz. Plz help.

[dll927]

My reels and tanks are Nikkor stainless steel. Don't they make them any more?

Admittedly, it's been years since I have done any home developing. At one time, I used to do nearly all of my own slide film. But I still have those tanks and reels.

 

[Trius]

I use the clips, but mileage may vary. I use a changing bag, but hate it.

 

[fbf]

I hate the changing bag too. I bought the cheapest general brand from b&h. So far it works okay but I'm not 100% sure whether it leaks light or not.

 

[Keith]

I though I'd mastered the stainless reels then one day I got a bit flustered and damaged a film when I hadn't loaded it correctly ... that was it for me ... straight back to my Paterson gear. Occasionally in very humid damp weather they can a bit harder to load but I have never damaged a film with them! 😛

 

[Trius]

The SS reels are about FEEL. Practice all you want in the light, watching what you are doing, but it will not help much. Hewes, Kinderman, Nikor reels help by being better built, of course. My reels are probably a mish-mash of brands, but they are no problem, except for the changing bag issues.

For newbies ... PRACTICE WITH YOUR EYES CLOSED; PRACTICE IN THE DARK ... BY FEEL ... when the film goes on properly, you can feel the smoothness, and the sound is different. It is hard to describe in words, but the sound is smoother, less chaffing.

I have nothing against plastic reels or aprons. I had a significant number of failures with Paterson reels, so I don't view them as panacea. I have not tried aprons, so good on anyone who has success with them. How many aprons can you load in a "multi-reel" tank. I have been known to process 8 35mm rolls at a time.

FWIW, sheet film is easier. 😀