What type of reel?

[andrewnelles]

I recently acquired two reels of this type (See photo)

I've only previously used the Hewes type of reel and the common type with the spring clips.

How do you load these? There is no clip, or hewes style lug for the sprocket holes to grab on to.

Thanks!

 

[Doug]

These should be ok, and in some ways they're easier to load than the various clip types. The advantage is that the film can center itself, not held off-center by a less-than-perfect insertion in the clip.

I will cut off the corners (1/4" or so) at the end of the film strip to be inserted, as this helps get things started right. Stick the beveled end into the core area of the reel. Then just hold the film in place with a finger as you start the wrap, not pulling on the strip but letting it fall into the helix loosely. I will even push the strip backwards occasionally to make sure there are no kinks developing.

But the first task with any new/used reels, especially of uncertain history, is to make sure the wire helixes are plane and parallel to each other. A slightly bent reel is surefire trouble to load. I use a cheap plastic vernier caliper to check the distance between the helixes all the way around, and bend/tweak as necessary to make it even.

 

[drewbarb]

These are fine. I agree that they can be easier to load than the ones with the spring clips in the center- but they are still harder to load and easier to get wrong then the Hewes ones. The Hewes are also better made (from thicker wire which is harder to knock out of alignment) than most othersin my experience. That said, with care (and checking for proper alignment, as the previous poster suggests) these should be totally serviceable.