I used to use Nikor tanks, i am returning to developing film again. I got a JOBO tank and I am returning it. I found new old stock Nikor tanks for 120 and 35 mm. snapped them up. Nothing beats stainless steel!
Thanks for demonstrating the loader. Well done. Now about the Patterson reel system, it works quite well with narrow 35mm film. It doesn't work well with 127 and 120 film due to the natural process of memory curl. I've literally spent 6 hours trying to load a roll of 127 onto a Patterson reel! It was an old exposed roll ca. 1960's with extreme memory curl. The steel reels were originally engineered to cope with memory curl. Just like the plastic reels, the steel wheels require some practice. But this loader you demonstrated about blew me away! It doesn't damage the emulsion? If not, this is a 120 film shooters dream come true.
Nowdays, I use Patterson the most. I have one small trick for 120 that works like a charm for me. I always take the film off the spool first and throw away the paper liner, but then I roll it back in my hands to the original starting position - because - that end of the film has less memory in it / less curvature. Then, I fold 1/4" of the leading edge over all the way, and then back off a little. That fold creates a "straight edge" if you will - which then feeds through the Patterson reel much easier. Using this method, it usually takes me 30 seconds or less to load 120. Maybe I should do a quick video on that one way. As far as this handy loader goes, it is only for 35mm / 135 film.
Seems to me that a "handy loader" is like training wheels on a bicycle. It make take a little practice to load the SS reel directly but it's easier and faster in the long run. When you put the lid on the tank leave the fill cap off to relieve the air pressure that is working against a good seal. That may help if you have a leaky lid. The only problem with leaking that I've had was when using SS lids and fill caps. I've only used SS reels and tanks but I inherited a Paterson system and I may give it a try eventually. Nice job on the video.
Hi - thanks for your comments. The handy loader is a little of a training wheel for sure. For me, though, it is faster and more accurate, but I am new to this style. I like the stainless concept, and my new plastic lids from Adorama do not leak. It was only the one I received originally, which I think has a molding defect ...either way, I like the overall system. :-)
I used to use Nikor tanks, i am returning to developing film again. I got a JOBO tank and I am returning it. I found new old stock Nikor tanks for 120 and 35 mm. snapped them up. Nothing beats stainless steel!
Thanks for demonstrating the loader. Well done. Now about the Patterson reel system, it works quite well with narrow 35mm film. It doesn't work well with 127 and 120 film due to the natural process of memory curl. I've literally spent 6 hours trying to load a roll of 127 onto a Patterson reel! It was an old exposed roll ca. 1960's with extreme memory curl. The steel reels were originally engineered to cope with memory curl. Just like the plastic reels, the steel wheels require some practice. But this loader you demonstrated about blew me away! It doesn't damage the emulsion? If not, this is a 120 film shooters dream come true.
Nowdays, I use Patterson the most. I have one small trick for 120 that works like a charm for me. I always take the film off the spool first and throw away the paper liner, but then I roll it back in my hands to the original starting position - because - that end of the film has less memory in it / less curvature. Then, I fold 1/4" of the leading edge over all the way, and then back off a little. That fold creates a "straight edge" if you will - which then feeds through the Patterson reel much easier. Using this method, it usually takes me 30 seconds or less to load 120. Maybe I should do a quick video on that one way. As far as this handy loader goes, it is only for 35mm / 135 film.
@@stevantontichphotographyvi9358 I just today used your method to load 120 and it worked great. Thanks
Helpful review - I’m still using Paterson tanks/reels, but it’s nice to know about these other options.
I upgraded w/ Hewes system few weeks ago and I really don’t regret it. A bit pricy but worth it. My Samigon tank leeks only from the bigger lid.
I like Hews also. They are basically the same. The think I don't like the most are the lids ..but the ones I got from Adorama work, so ...yay?
Seems to me that a "handy loader" is like training wheels on a bicycle. It make take a little practice to load the SS reel directly but it's easier and faster in the long run.
When you put the lid on the tank leave the fill cap off to relieve the air pressure that is working against a good seal. That may help if you have a leaky lid. The only problem with leaking that I've had was when using SS lids and fill caps. I've only used SS reels and tanks but I inherited a Paterson system and I may give it a try eventually.
Nice job on the video.
Hi - thanks for your comments. The handy loader is a little of a training wheel for sure. For me, though, it is faster and more accurate, but I am new to this style. I like the stainless concept, and my new plastic lids from Adorama do not leak. It was only the one I received originally, which I think has a molding defect ...either way, I like the overall system. :-)
I am curious about light getting in the container when you pour the chemicals. Is the aperture on the lid very small?
It is a special type of lid which has a second lid underneath making it very unlikely for light to leak through