Which Stainless Steel reels to buy

[white.elephant]

All

I have a bit of a quandry. I'm rebuilding my darkroom. In the old days, when I processed many many rolls of 35mm B&W, I used Kindermann tanks and reels. Ten years ago I got rid of that equipment, and am having a hard time finding replacement stainless steel reels that I am confident I can load successfully.

Kindermann seems to be out of business, but Hewes seems to come highly recommended. Now, here's the issue. When I look at the Freestyle web site, they have an item they call 'Hewes Tundra Reels,' and they list for $16.99 apiece. When I search the B&H site, they list a Tundra 'professional' reel for $29.95. When I search Calumet, they list a Hewes 35mm reel for $35.99.

Sigh.

Can anyone enlighten me about the differences? These reels seem the closest to my reliable Kindermann reels.

Help?

Chris Klug

 

[Dfin]

The stainless steel tanks and reels that I have are Hansa, made in Japan. I bought them back in the `80s ($18.95aud/ reel ),they easy enough to load,I have the most trouble with the 120 reels. Unfortunately one of the plastic lids has split on the outer lip. Have you tried KEH for s/h items ? Good luck, Alan.

 

[Ben Blacket]

I think the tank & reel I had as a student was a Hansa also. I've got the freestyle 'Arista' brand tanks with PVC lid & steel 120 & 35mm reels & I reckon they're the same - the same quality anyway. & I'd say the 'Arista' are the same as the Hewes ones as well, so go the cheapest ones.

 

[gertf]

http://www.adorama.com/DKR35HD.html?searchinfo=hewes&item_no=3

Hewes heavy duty 35mm reels for $19.95

 

[sepiareverb]

I just got a set of these reels, sturdier than the older ones I had, and they load very well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...lSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

 

[f/stopblues]

I don't know the brand names offhand, but the ones with the prongs that fit into the film's sprocket holes in the center of the reel are MUCH easier than the little clip that the film slips under. I heart the prongs 😀

 

[oftheherd]

Try your local camera store if you have one. I don't remember what I paid a few months ago, but I don't think it was over $10.00.

 

[Sisyphus]

Chris,

The reels that i would recommend are the Tundra Professional Stainless Steel Reels from B&H for 29.95.

Here is the difference between all the reels:

The reels that are 19.95 is designed with a thinner stainless steel and it has a clip, which can be difficult to load or clip your film onto.

The reels that are 29.95 is designed with a thicker stainless steel and instead of a clip, they have a pair of prongs, which line up with the film sprockets.

The reels from calumet, I believe are the same ones sold by B&H, but my guess is that they charge more for the same product.

I know they hewes reels are more expensive, but you will be thanking yourself that you spent the extra 10.00, since they make your life so much easier. If you don't like them, I think you can return to B&H within 30 days, and receive a full refund, with the exception of shipping.

I hope that helps.

 

[bubba got a P]

I'm with sisyphus

I'm with sisyphus

The heavy steel coils with the prongs to hold the film in the center (Hewes?) are the ONLY way to go.

I used them for litterly dozens of loads each day for years - they are EASY to load and fail proof, idiot proof?

Glad someone brought this up - I need some myself.

 

[Ronald M]

Hewes unless you can find used Nikors that have not been bent by dropping.

There a all kind of lool alike Nikors that are junk. Same with tanks.

Stainless alloy is different grades and you can`t tell by looking what it is. Cheap stainless does not have enough chome and nickel content and rusts.

The black plastic tops on budget brand tanks will split and get you in trouble.

Kindermann reels and tanks are all good if you can get them.

 

[kmack]

I don't know the brand names offhand, but the ones with the prongs that fit into the film's sprocket holes in the center of the reel are MUCH easier than the little clip that the film slips under. I heart the prongs 😀

I have to agree, but I don't even use the prongs. I just stuff the end of the film into the opening in the center of the reel.

It seems my experience is the opposite from everyone else. I had a set of the Hawes reels and had no end of trouble with them. I tossed them and bought a half dozen of the cheapest POS set of reels I could find on e-bay. The idea was that if one got bent or I had any trouble I toss it and grab the next one. It just felt better to me to trash a cheap reel than an expensive reel. Three years later I am still using the first two that I grabbed out of the box and have not had a spot of trouble.

Personally I don't think the brand or price matters as long as they are 'square' and you are practiced in using them.

 

[f/stopblues]

Not to veer too far off topic, but are there any stainless alternatives to the MF reels with the little clip in the center? I have a heck of a time getting it lined up correctly sometimes. I've been doing it for years and it seems my skills hit a plateau some time ago. I know there's platic, but I like to use the same tanks as for 35mm.

 

[Roger Hicks]

. . . hewes reels are more expensive, but you will be thanking yourself that you spent the extra 10.00, since they make your life so much easier.

Seconded!

Cheers,

R.

 

[white.elephant]

Got my answer, which is the ones from B&H are worth it.

Thanks

A friend showed me reels with the thin-wire clip in the middle, and my mind did flips as I tried to imagine getting that to work in the dark. My old Kindermann reels had a single metal 'tooth' which poked through the film. While the only way to poke it through kinda poked your fingertip as well, I always knew the film was secure and my film loaded every time. I never ruined a roll and I put hundreds and hundreds through my reels and tanks.

My photography teacher had nothing good to say about the plastic tanks, and, if I remember correctly, his pooh-poohing had to do with temperature control.

I'm gonna order those reels, thanks.