Loading 120 film into a Paterson plastic reel

Many people have trouble loading 120 film into developing reels when they are first starting. I wanted to show my own technique for doing this in order to keep anyone from getting discouraged. It's all about finding out what works for you and repeating the process enough times that it becomes second nature.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• 120
• film
• loading
• developing
• paterson
• plastic
• reel
• tank
• changing
• bag

[mikedevelta]

As soon as my changing bag gets hot and humid things really get cranky, film sticking to film etc. I figure the window of opportunity is pretty small to get it right in there. Outside the bag is a breeze. Any tips?

[luketrash]

@mikedevelta In a classroom environment it seemed like we were always stuck using wet reels because someone had recently used them. With 35mm it was easier to load than 120 because the film is narrower. But water can stop you dead in your tracks because the film emulsion is so sticky. My advice is to relax and try to get your technique down. Iowa is humid in the summer and dry in the winter, so it's only occasionally a problem for me. Usually when I'm loading 12, 4x5" sheets in holders at once

[RNGWRM666]

Does the backing paper have to be removed or can the film be processed with it still

on?

[luketrash]

@RNGWRM666 You have to remove the paper. I imagine it'd still develop just fine, but it'd make a huge mess. It'd be hard to load the film into the spool with the paper coupled to the film. It's completely loose from the film.

[AfterSimplicus]

by coiling the negative in the palm of your hand , do you not get the natural oils off your hands onto the negative?

[luketrash]

It must be insignificant, because it never affects the final result. I don't handle the emulsion side if possible.

[ADSLISKEWL]

@mikedevelta I put an ice brick in the outer section of mine

[ndjedinak]

Thanks for filming this! I have developed 35mm for years, but just tried 120 tonight for the first time after watching your video... Success! It was a piece of cake to load into the Paterson tank, thanks again!

[ndjedinak]

Thanks for filming this! I have developed 35mm for years, but just tried 120 tonight for the first time after watching your video... Success!

[senseiokamisama]

I'm thinking of getting the stuff to develp my 120s; now I know that I want a Paterson =)

Thanks a lot.

[oldirtymick]

I wish I watched this an hour ago, I have film washing at the moment and after watching this I know its probably 100% fucked, thanks for the vid I have quite a lot of film to get through.

[tnphotographer]

Thanks very much for the straightforward tutorial. I followed it and was able to load my first roll of 120 film on a plastic reel within about 3 minutes. (I had a much harder time with a roll of 35mm I tried for the first time recently.)

[jiro19781025]

thank you for your lecture. it very helps me.

[maxellsector]

Thanks man! Straight, precise and easy.