Thank you! I decided to take up film again, but got stainless steel reels for both 120 and 35mm, thinking it'd be similar to the plastic ones used in high school photo lab over a decade ago. Was wondering why it was so hard to load! No wonder, I was doing it wrong.
Do you have any tips on how to avoid fingerprints on the emulsion side?
Rip the clips off first thing. I've found it easier to load that way. Just slip the film into the slot in the middle. Hold it for one or two rounds and you're good to go.
@DemitriRas The backing paper is completely loose from the film. It's taped to the film only at one spot up at the front of the roll as you get to frame #1. So the tape just tears and the film is free of the backing at that point. The cameras are set up to pull the paper and film through the camera in a way that the film would never slide away from the paper because it was held in place with pressure.
Hey Luke, thanks a lot for your tips here. Something as simple as using your one finger method during the loading process made all the difference. For those who may not know the difference, the Hewes 120 SS reel is definitely worth the extra expense. $24 at Freestyle. But it loads like butter especially if you follow Lukes video.
OK Luke, I will make a vid showing why SS reels are easier for 120 format film. For 35mm however, I would call it a draw and use both as my mood dictates. Watch this space.
Hmmm.... I found your 1-finger technique interesting. I never did it that way. I always keep the reel circumference on the countertop when loading it, which can't be done in a changing bag. (I don't like changing bags.) Once I had a 120 reel that was always giving me trouble. It turned out it was about 3-4 mm too wide. So always check your new reel against one that you know works well.
I just loaded my first "sacrificed" roll of Delta 100 to a Hewes (120) stainless steel reel. It couldn't have taken me more than 1-3 minutes on my first attempt at it. I think the biggest part is getting over the intimidation and just paying attention to the feel of everything. Now, I have the confidence that I can do this in the dark after some more repetition.
I can do it in the dark now. Once I start developing film, I might make a video showing what I feel for when doing this. I made my own system of "checks" to make sure I get it clip the film in the center, on the spring loaded clamp.
No, the reels are used in conjunction with a steel tank to hold the chemicals to develop the film. Some people prefer the steel reels to the plastic ones that I made the other video about.
Been thinking about moving over to steel reels from plastic for 120 for a while. I kind of thought I knew how they loaded, but wasn't quite sure- you've confirmed my thoughts and convinced me to give them a go. They seem perfect for a humid changing bag. Thanks!
Ha! Am I lower or higher pitched than you had imagined? I'm not a big fan of hearing my own voice, but most of the how-to videos on youtube are silent. I'd rather explain what I'm doing to show which parts of the process are deliberant (and seemingly important to remember.)
Nice vid on spooling 120! I've been doing mine for a little over two years now. I always hold the film by the edges and lightly crimp it. I'll give this method a try next time and see how it works! Lately my film slips right out of the clip. I wonder if there is a way to tighten that clamp up or roughen the edges a bit with a file so it has more bite.
Thank you! I decided to take up film again, but got stainless steel reels for both 120 and 35mm, thinking it'd be similar to the plastic ones used in high school photo lab over a decade ago. Was wondering why it was so hard to load! No wonder, I was doing it wrong.
Do you have any tips on how to avoid fingerprints on the emulsion side?
SeattleCoffeeZombie 3 days ago
Thanks for this vid! But 'rip what clips off? '
tuberez 2 weeks ago
EXCELLENT ! VERY APPRECIATED !!!
EROJNKLSD 2 weeks ago
Rip the clips off first thing. I've found it easier to load that way. Just slip the film into the slot in the middle. Hold it for one or two rounds and you're good to go.
cadillacjoe69 4 months ago
@DemitriRas The backing paper is completely loose from the film. It's taped to the film only at one spot up at the front of the roll as you get to frame #1. So the tape just tears and the film is free of the backing at that point. The cameras are set up to pull the paper and film through the camera in a way that the film would never slide away from the paper because it was held in place with pressure.
luketrash 6 months ago
Thank you so much, one thing though. You should put in more key works to make this easier to find. But thanks again.
Jawsjawsjawsrg 6 months ago
great vid Luke! Thanks for making something intimidating (for the newb) less so.
Originalfmajor007 9 months ago
Hey Luke, thanks a lot for your tips here. Something as simple as using your one finger method during the loading process made all the difference. For those who may not know the difference, the Hewes 120 SS reel is definitely worth the extra expense. $24 at Freestyle. But it loads like butter especially if you follow Lukes video.
jerryi57 9 months ago
OK Luke, I will make a vid showing why SS reels are easier for 120 format film. For 35mm however, I would call it a draw and use both as my mood dictates. Watch this space.
tassenook 1 year ago
You make it look so friggen easy.
AlmondBscotch 1 year ago
Hmmm.... I found your 1-finger technique interesting. I never did it that way. I always keep the reel circumference on the countertop when loading it, which can't be done in a changing bag. (I don't like changing bags.) Once I had a 120 reel that was always giving me trouble. It turned out it was about 3-4 mm too wide. So always check your new reel against one that you know works well.
jburgie 1 year ago
Thanks a lot!
straws1632 1 year ago
just bought a 35mm steel tank.. i hope the process is like to a 120 roll
BlSabbatH2 2 years ago
Comment removed
MacBubbles 2 years ago
Thanks so much, Luke. That helped a lot!
I just loaded my first "sacrificed" roll of Delta 100 to a Hewes (120) stainless steel reel. It couldn't have taken me more than 1-3 minutes on my first attempt at it. I think the biggest part is getting over the intimidation and just paying attention to the feel of everything. Now, I have the confidence that I can do this in the dark after some more repetition.
MacBubbles 2 years ago
I can do it in the dark now. Once I start developing film, I might make a video showing what I feel for when doing this. I made my own system of "checks" to make sure I get it clip the film in the center, on the spring loaded clamp.
MacBubbles 2 years ago
Can you use plastic reels in stainless steel tanks?
DavidTheDivine 3 years ago
Awesome. Thank you.
Statuskuo75 3 years ago
THANK YOU thank you thank you!
gcquinn 3 years ago
Thank Luke
A dummy q.
For what is the Stainless Steel Reel, for archiving your films?
Regards Jan
flashmxfreak 4 years ago
No, the reels are used in conjunction with a steel tank to hold the chemicals to develop the film. Some people prefer the steel reels to the plastic ones that I made the other video about.
luketrash 4 years ago
Oh yeah thank you, I have plastic tank and I did not heard about steel tank yet. Is the steel tank better for you, if yes than why? Jan
flashmxfreak 4 years ago
Been thinking about moving over to steel reels from plastic for 120 for a while. I kind of thought I knew how they loaded, but wasn't quite sure- you've confirmed my thoughts and convinced me to give them a go. They seem perfect for a humid changing bag. Thanks!
MossleyJardinier 4 years ago
great job, Luke!
argusmaniac 4 years ago
Great job Luke! Since you are my Flickr friend...I've never heard your voice before. Strange, since I've "known" you for a few years now. Ha.
loreleimac 4 years ago
Ha! Am I lower or higher pitched than you had imagined? I'm not a big fan of hearing my own voice, but most of the how-to videos on youtube are silent. I'd rather explain what I'm doing to show which parts of the process are deliberant (and seemingly important to remember.)
luketrash 4 years ago
Nice vid on spooling 120! I've been doing mine for a little over two years now. I always hold the film by the edges and lightly crimp it. I'll give this method a try next time and see how it works! Lately my film slips right out of the clip. I wonder if there is a way to tighten that clamp up or roughen the edges a bit with a file so it has more bite.
Once again, nice clip!
liquidlucidity 4 years ago