Tmax 400 is really hard to spool

[rphenning]

I am having problems spooling tmax 400 onto plastic reels to develop them in my lil tank. I do not have a problem with any other film I have used. Fomapan 100, acros, delta 100 all spool up smoothly with no hassles. Tmax 400 barely makes it through the gate half the time and when it does it binds up after a revolution. Anyone else notice this or have an explination?

 

[rphenning]

35mm by the way

 

[kknox]

I have had the same problem, with Arista Pro 400. I thought it was just me as I just started doing my own film last year. I use Neopan 1600 is goes on the reels smooth as silk. Don't now the answer, the Neopan seems more flexible going on & off the reels than the 400.

 

[mh2000]

stainless steel reels solve this problem. 🙂

 

[charjohncarter]

Try AristaEDUultra100-120 if you want a headache.

 

[kully]

To make it easier, make sure your hands and the reel are completely dry (not sweating) and that it is not too hot/humid.

I had the same problems as charjohncarter with the AristaEDU Ultra 100 in 120 - then one morning it went on quite easily - the more you struggle, the more you sweat and the more difficult it becomes - do your reel loading in the cool of the morning.

 

[mr_phillip]

Can't say it's a film I've had any problems with, although it's not one I use all that often. Are you trying to load it straight from the camera? Some films need to be 'rested' before loading. I normally let them sit a full 24 hours fully rewound in the cassette to relax the curl they pick up being tied around the take up spool.

If all else fails, try loading the film backwards (ie. from the spool end rather than the leader end). It's often more cooperative that way.

 

[Rhodes]

Do what kully said! Check for humidity before loading the film. I allways had trouble with loading the films. I decided to clean very good the reel and before loading giving a little heat from the hair drier! And also, do to the cameras wind the films CCW, I load from the end of the film!

 

[charjohncarter]

To make it easier, make sure your hands and the reel are completely dry (not sweating) and that it is not too hot/humid.

I had the same problems as charjohncarter with the AristaEDU Ultra 100 in 120 - then one morning it went on quite easily - the more you struggle, the more you sweat and the more difficult it becomes - do your reel loading in the cool of the morning.

Gracias....!

 

[like2fiddle]

The other thing, besides moisture, that can make loading a plastic reel a headache is the cut of the end of the film. I find that when I take the time to round the end of the film going on to the reel first, it goes on much more easily.

 

[Tom A]

It could be that the Tmax has a more "slippery" base. I have found no problem with it though - using Paterson reels. Just ensure that it is fully into the slots on the reel.
You want a challenge - try loading Agfa Scopix X-ray film - it has been described as "loading wet toilet paper" on to the rolls!

 

[bhop73]

I had the same problem with plastic reels. They worked fine for months, then one day 35mm started to bind then get bent, then it started happening to 120 film too.. so I ditched the plastic reels and bought some stainless steel Hewes reels and tank. After some practice with old film, I realized just how easy the steel is and haven't had any problems since. I'd say they're even easier than the plastic reels as odd as that may seem. I even had to respool once while a roll was wet to re-fix it (old fixer), that wouldn't have been possible at all with a plastic reel.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Yup, SS is easier to load, no doubt. I've got a collection of Kinderman with two different kinds of center clips, various Japanese brands with wire clips, some ancient Nikors with no clips, and they all load easily.

 

[Ducky]

I have not tried it but some say plaastic spools should go through the dishwasher once in a while.

 

[russianRF]

If you want to give stainless steel a go, then try it. Stainless is NOT easier for EVERYONE. I, myself, prefer the Arista "Premium" plastic film reels; they have large plastic tabs that help guide the film in. Once I switched to those, I never had problems loading film, even if the reels are slightly damp.

 

[kully]

I have not tried it but some say plaastic spools should go through the dishwasher once in a while.

Unfortunately, I am the dishwasher in my house.

I don't pass them whole through myself, instead an old toothbrush and washing up liquid once in a while (~50-60 uses) to get the gunk off works well.