Topic: Confession: I'm mourning my steel reels

[original_ann]

As I gear up to start developing color film (using a JOBO processer), it just now dawned on me that I won't' be able to use my beloved Hewes steel reels when developing 120mm.  I can load those reels in less than 10 seconds... 

These plastic reels are just confounding me.  How to even figure out where to start feeding it (without peeking in the daylight with my practice roll) and then getting stuck at points and not being able to see what the heck is making things stop.  I feel like a total newbie. 

Oh wait... I am.

[moominsean]

how is the jobo processor special? you can develop color film using regular containers...

[original_ann]

Wait... forgive my not knowing anything...  Is this a 'why are you using a jobo for processing' question or is this a 'why do you think you have to use jobo tanks/reels when using the jobo processor' question?

I have a very difficult time in my basement maintaining temperature control, I bought a jobo processor so definitely am going to use

But am so very new to this so I don't know much.  I was under the impression (hopefully in error?) that you have to use the jobo tanks on the lift or (if you can't use the lift) at least the rollers.  My non-jobo stainless steel tanks and reels have no center post to keep the reels from spinning like a hamster wheel while the tank is rotating (thereby not allowing even development). 

And how about the cog lids that I was under the impression I needed for the lift (or magnet when not using the lift). 

So what do you know?  Do I not need to learn how to use these pesky plastic reels? Do tell! 

 

[Pete_R]

I think what Sean was implying was that you don't need a processor to do colour film. You can use your usual SS tanks. I don't think he meant you can use the SS tanks in the Jobo. If you use you SS tanks then you would need a water bath to maintain temperature. Maybe you can use the base of the Jobo as a water bath and just sit your SS tanks in it (I'm not familiar withthe Jobo so it's a guess).

There was a previous thread on loading 120 which might help with the plastic reels. It's at http://www.filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=2718.0

[original_ann]

Ohh - gotcha Peter.  Thanks for pointing me to the link!  I would love to do it all manually but chickened out with the thought of having to maintain temperature in my basement.  I hope I didn't come across as elitist or afraid of "hard work". 

[choppert]

Hi Ann,

My bin was filled with a thousand crinkly and ruined films that I couldn't get onto plastic reels.

Then I snipped the corners off the leading edge of the film before attempting to load.  (I'd read this a thousand times but never thought it sounded like much of an idea!)

Hey presto, no more crinkles!

(Sorry if this is all a bit old hat, but it made loading film a dream for me)

Matt

[original_ann]

Thanks Choppert!  Any and all tips are welcome! 

Did you have to do that for 120mm or 35mm? I find my challenge is even 'feeling' where I need to start entering the film on the reel.  There isn't a huge ridge and I find myself peeking to see why I can't find it... only to find my finger is right on it.  Sheeshy.

[Francois]

I think it's more important to cut corners on 120 than 35mm.
I've always used plastic reels (patterson) and find that 35mm loads really quick. The few times I processed 120 (in the pre-internet age), I found it a pain... but I hadn't clipped the corners either.

Also, just make sure the reels are bone dry.