RE: [Leica] Tricks to loading reels

["Mark Cohen" <markc@binaryfaith.com>]

I tried plastic reels about 15 years ago, and since I was bulk loading my
film and frequently getting more then 36 frames to a roll, the plastic reels
got to be a pain.. they couldn't hold the long rolls of film. So I went back
to metal reels. I find that I can take the roll out in the dark, tear the
film with my nails (thumb/index on each side) Film tears rather easily. If
you use a reel with a clip you just hold the film between your thumb and
middle finger and with your index finger push down the clip and slide the
film in. I then just move it a little side to side to make sure its centered
and start loading it onto the reel..

I find the easist thing to do is push the film on and let the reel turn in
your hand.. don't force it. (Its kind of Zen ;) Every few turns, push the
film and pull the film to make sure its loose in there.. (there should be
1/2 to 1/4 inch movement) then keep going. When I get to the plastic reel at
the end, I tear that off and viola! Im done.

I used to work in a custom b/w darkroom and had to load 50 to 60 rolls at a
time. (I did 6 runs a day, so thats about 360 rolls a day I loaded) If you
use this technique you can load lots of film and not worry about binding it
up and messing up your negs.

- -Mark


- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Austin
Franklin
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2001 6:28 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: RE: [Leica] Tricks to loading reels



> 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.

That's why I have started leaving my leaders out, and it makes the trimming
job so much easier to miss the sprocket holes.

After using stainless reels for years, I really do like the Jobo plastic
reels...except when they are wet.  Film will not go on them if there is a
drop of water on them!  Make sure your reels are dry before loading.  I
bought an entire second set...well worth it.  B&H had very reasonable prices
on them.

> The real test of film loading ability is loading 2 rolls back to
> back on the
> same reel....

Do you mean adjacent, as in side by side, like touching?  Why would you want
to do that?