Reel loading problems: Plastic

[l.mar]

I use the Arista reels shown earlier in the thread. For some reason, it's no problem loading 35mm film on them, wet or dry. For 120, on the other hand, the reels have to be dry as a bone, and the bearings spotlessly clean . . .:bang:

 

[gilpen123]

Yes a humid reel is almost impossible to spool the film. I have real trouble loading in the changing bag the Neopan 400 not so much on the HP5, it just won't finish the roll somewhere it will stop and manual intervention generates scratches. I will look at the Samigon reels.

 

[Tom A]

If the film has been stored wound either in the cassette or on the take up spool - it can cause problems as the first inch of film has now been wound quite tight on the take-up spool and has settled in a (for the film) comfortable 'curve" that can easily bind. I have had it happen with neglected cameras that have been sitting for a long time. The trick is to cut off at least 2-3" of the film, do a slight 45 degree cut at the top/bottom of the film and pull it through - sometimes it helps to "feed" about 3-4 inches on to the reel.
The sprays (silicon or other) can cause a problem with having the steel balls sticking and that really makes it difficult. Moisture of any kind is also "death" for loading, even a slight "wetness" from sweaty hands or humidity in the darkroom can make the film bind.
I store my reels in the darkroom - but keep about 15-20 of them in my office which has decent airflow and stays dry. After each use they are left in the bottom of the washing overflow tray for as long as the second/third load of film is being washed and then stuck on the rack to dry. I cycle through all my reels (about 100) so that they all get used regularly - otherwise the steel balls tends to get sticky and jam.

 

[Tom A]

Ok, I just ruined a roll because of similar problems. Missed this thread so I posted one of my own. Strange thing is that sometimes things go ever so smoothly, somethings it's a disaster. Can't figure out why. Doesn't seem to be influenced by the film I use (Ilford FP4+, HP5+, Kodak Tri-X, Fuji Neopan 1600). I just cleaned two reels thoroughly, hopefully things work better next time.

Film base can affect loading too. Thin films (the old technical pan and micro films are tricky) and my favorite is the Agfa Scopix X-ray films. A friend gave me 1200 ft of it (works fine as a 100 asa film)and it is somewhat akin to trying to load wet toilet paper on to the reels!

 

[Pherdinand]

i only had (major) problems with neopan 400. I decided never to use that film again, at least not in 35mm. All the rolls i tried to load got stuck after only one third and had to damage them after 20 mins of struggling in the dark.
I never had any problem with other films (except very curled films like efke in 120 format are difficult to start in the original patterson reels, but once it's in the hole it works fine).

 

[Haigh]

I,ve had many a problem with plastic reels but will try to explain what a video might show you better.
Yes, the reels must be absolutely dry. Sweaty hands, even damp clothing are to be avoided. Practice a lot with a roll in day light. Be very aware of how it "feels" as you roll film on. I continually help ease the load on the ball bearing by pushing gently with a finger. I have several spare reels ready as I roll film and if a roll won't go on one I try another. I am usually OK with this but sometimes I just can't get one reel to work when another will. I do have to concentrate and be very aware of what my fingers are sensing. Good luck- you will manage! Again, avoid even a hint of moisture: film
swells up easily.

 

[Seele]

I never have any problem with the newer Jobo reels, instead of having ball bearings running on a ramp to push the film in at the entrance, you pull the film in from the far end and along the whole length; this goes with both DuoSet 1501 and 2502, but if I need to process a larger quantity of film I use the Ro-Set system; just crank away, full reel loade in three seconds flat!