Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/02/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I agree with Jim on loading the Hewes or any stainless steel reels.... if the film feels slightly loose as you slightly push -pull while loading... you are doing fine.... if it binds... you've either dropped your reels one too many times or you've misloaded.... I find I can load SS reels faster than plastic... The trick to the Jobo reels is in cutting the end of the film... you want a straight cut and then trim off the two corners at 45 degree angles about 1/8" in from the side.... hopefully catch the right spot where you don't end up going through an actual sprocket hole. If you trim too much off the corners it tends to jump off the reel especially if the film has a tight curl to it. If you trim through a sprocket hole... you end up with a sharp edge that snags... Off course you have to get your timing right as to which finger is putting pressure on the film..... but once you get the habit of it... it goes pretty quickly as does SS reels... The real test of film loading ability is loading 2 rolls back to back on the same reel.... I've never tried it personally as I don't like kink marks and well it also seems like you would risk more damage than it's worth and then you have chemical exhaustion factors to deal with as well.. I've always been skeptical of those who claim to do it... but I guess it makes for good bragging rights none the less as it does sound impressive.... Duane Birkey HCJB World Radio, Quito Ecuador Duane's Photographs of Ecuador: http://duane_birkey.tripod.com