Paterson Reels - how do you expand them from 35mm to 120?

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smudwhisk

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I don't think this has been posted before specifically (I know there have been postings about 120 reels), so my apologies if I am repeating a request. I have a number of Paterson Super System 4 reels which are supposed to be able to expand to take 120 film; they are currently being used for 35mm. Now I only want to do this once to about 3 of them so can multi develop in my 5 x 35mm reel tank but I cannot for the life of me work out how to expand them :bang:

Could anyone please enlighten me as to how to do this as I really don't want to have to buy any more reels at this point.

The other question I have is regards the tape on the end of the 120 film which holds it to the backing sheet - I've noted previous suggestions of simply bending that back round onto the film edge but is it not just as good to trim off the end of film which has this stuck to it? This is what I do with 35mm film.

Thanks in advance. :)
 
Paterson reels - twist one side clockwise and the other counter slockwise and pull, that should expand them.
 
smudwhisk said:
The other question I have is regards the tape on the end of the 120 film which holds it to the backing sheet - I've noted previous suggestions of simply bending that back round onto the film edge but is it not just as good to trim off the end of film which has this stuck to it? This is what I do with 35mm film.
Click to expand...

I just fold it back or tear the loose half off; the residue has never had any noticable effect on the emulsion. Of course it should be possible to cut the film in the dark, but why risk destroying the last negative on your roll?

And, yes, Paterson reels can be twisted apart as Keith suggested. In fact, I try to remember to take them apart after *every* bath, so that they can dry easier and not become moldy inside. By the way, there is also a slot for 127 roll film if you ever get a Diana. :D
 
Thanks guys, when you know how it's really easy. Tried pulling them before, some were stiff but cannot have been twisting them correctly when I tried. I now have 3 120 size reels waiting for some developing to be done. :)

I usually cut off the end strip on 35mm. Is the first photo likely to be that close to the start of the film?
 
smudwhisk said:
I usually cut off the end strip on 35mm. Is the first photo likely to be that close to the start of the film?
Click to expand...
Depends on your camera. If your 120 roll film camera relies on you for correct alignment and advance of the film, AND has knob advance rather than lever advance, then as long as you work precisely and the camera isn't in need of a CLA, the start and end of the film should offer enough leeway. OTOH, with some cameras that presume to recognize the start of the film, AND/OR have lever advance, I have often had the 12th (or 1st, depending on your viewpoint) 6x6 photo on the roll anywhere from incredibly close to the end, all the way to literally cut off.

Do what you will.
 
smudwhisk said:
...the tape on the end of the 120 film which holds it to the backing sheet
Click to expand...

I peel it off and stick it to the inside of my hand. It's on the non-emulsion side of the film so it comes of easily without damaging anything. Pull if off the film while it's still stuck to the paper - makes it easier.

Thanks,
James
 
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