Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/02/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dan I am not familiar with this particular brand of reels. However, I suspect that your failure is due to fear of failure. If your reels are the typical SS type, the following will apply: The main point is to keep the film *loose* between the coils. After attaching the leader, I spool the film by holding it fairly firmly in one hand and push-pulling constantly as I wind onto the reel. By pushing (very gently, really) the film into the coil, you insure that it will not jump the coil. By pulling (also very gently) you wind the film gradually to the end. As long as you *hear* the film moving within the coil as you push-pull, the film is wound correctly. I do not squeeze the film by the edges or it will jump the coil. I guide it onto the reel. At the end, I test by push-pulling the end of the film, it must move within the coils or something is wrong. Practice many times in the light with your eyes closed and you will develop your own fool-proof system. Good luck, Joe Codispoti - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan Honemann" <danh@selectsa.com> To: "LUG" <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 11:58 AM Subject: [Leica] OT: Hewes reels revisited > Okay, fellow Hewes fans, > > Please send me any and all tips you have for loading these reels. I've > already mangled two rolls, and now I'm gun shy (never had any problems with > the plastic reels). > > The problem for me is getting tactile feedback on the loading in the dark: > the only way I know I've botched it (typically) is if it gets stuck, or if I > wind up running out of reel before all of the film is loaded. In both > cases, I find it impossible to recover. > > I've been practicing to the point where I can load my practice roll fairly > consistently in the light; in the dark, it's still a 50-50 proposition for > me, which isn't nearly good enough. I need to get to 100%. > > The only tip I know is to curve the film slightly between thumb and > forefinger of the right hand while turning the reel in the left. Any other > magical method I don't know about besides just doing this a thousand times > till I get more comfortable with it? > > Thanks, > Dan > > >