Very useful video. A couple of tips: (1) The early steel reels made by Nikor from the 1950s use a much thicker gauge of steel wire for the spiral than the economy reels made from the 1980s. These seem much easier to load. On the other hand, Nikor tanks with steel tops tend to leak a bit, whereas the later models with plastic tops do not leak at all. (2) With its long, exposed leader, 35mm film can be initially clipped into the center of the reel in open daylight, then loaded onto the reel in the dark, making that process much easier for many. 120 film users must do it in the dark. (3) The trick to easy loading any type of film is to carefully center the film in the reel initially, so the pressure of the film is equal on both sides as you wind on the film. (Note this as critical to a reliable operation of a LabBox daylight loading tank, as well.)
Thank you SOOO much! I picked up some steel tanks/reels at a film camera show and I didn't realize there were different reels. I've got the first and last reels you showed.
I went against the advice I was getting via the internet and ordered a steel reel set. I was absolutely shocked at how superior they are to the popular plastic reel system. Both 35mm and 120 are so easy to load with the steel reels. Even the cheap steel reels.
I've had these reels and tanks for at least a two decade and never had any luck loading them. After dozens of attempts using dummy films I just moved on to AP and Patterson favouring the AP reels and Patterson tanks. I have rekindled the flame of DIY film processing and will give these steel tanks and reels another chance. Thank you for this video review its been a ton of help.
I have the third kind that he is talking about. I inherited it from my dad when he downsized his last house. I don't have the stainless steel tank that I remember him having, hence the reason why I am using Patterson tanks and reels, lol.
Very useful video. A couple of tips: (1) The early steel reels made by Nikor from the 1950s use a much thicker gauge of steel wire for the spiral than the economy reels made from the 1980s. These seem much easier to load. On the other hand, Nikor tanks with steel tops tend to leak a bit, whereas the later models with plastic tops do not leak at all. (2) With its long, exposed leader, 35mm film can be initially clipped into the center of the reel in open daylight, then loaded onto the reel in the dark, making that process much easier for many. 120 film users must do it in the dark. (3) The trick to easy loading any type of film is to carefully center the film in the reel initially, so the pressure of the film is equal on both sides as you wind on the film. (Note this as critical to a reliable operation of a LabBox daylight loading tank, as well.)
Thank you SOOO much! I picked up some steel tanks/reels at a film camera show and I didn't realize there were different reels. I've got the first and last reels you showed.
I'm sick of wrecking film with those plastic things. You make this look 1000x better.
I went against the advice I was getting via the internet and ordered a steel reel set. I was absolutely shocked at how superior they are to the popular plastic reel system. Both 35mm and 120 are so easy to load with the steel reels. Even the cheap steel reels.
Congratulations! You chose wisely. Steel is better.
I've had these reels and tanks for at least a two decade and never had any luck loading them. After dozens of attempts using dummy films I just moved on to AP and Patterson favouring the AP reels and Patterson tanks. I have rekindled the flame of DIY film processing and will give these steel tanks and reels another chance. Thank you for this video review its been a ton of help.
Now THAT is really informative!!! Thank you!
I have the third kind that he is talking about. I inherited it from my dad when he downsized his last house. I don't have the stainless steel tank that I remember him having, hence the reason why I am using Patterson tanks and reels, lol.
very pleasant video and clear explanations, thank you
Great video. Thanks!!!
Used to hate steel reels lol
Thank you now I need to go try it :)
Does anyone have the steel reels that come with a little metal bar that clips onto the outside? Are these to keep it from coming off the reel?
Thank you.