Darkroom Nightmare

[Anscojohn]

I find loading of 135 on SS to be twice as easy than 120/220.

Then again, I don't use cheap knockoff reels. Hewes only. Loading 35mm becomes a motor function.

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The key for faultless loading of 120 on SS is not attaching the film to the center clip. Just hold it against the core for the first 1/3 turn or so until friction holds it in the tracks.. No cross loading, no problems. For 35, I have Hewes, Taiwanese, Japanese, they all seem to work fine. The Japanese reels are old--I bought them from Spiratone in the 1960s.

[Darkroom317]

Just developed another roll, no problems.

[Neil Poulsen]

I tried 120 on Patterson reels and gave up. So, back to the stainless steel reels and tanks.

[grahamp]

I put a slight reverse crimp in the end of 120 film before loading it (in Jobo or Paterson reels). That stiffens the end and makes it easier to feed evenly for the first turn or so. I also unreel the film as I go. A tangled spiral of film and backing paper is no fun.

Practice helps.

[RalphLambrecht]

Just developed another roll, no problems.

For me, loading got a lot easier after I discovered that I was squeezing the reel too much. Now, I just hold it very gently. Easy does it!

[Necator]

For me, loading got a lot easier after I discovered that I was squeezing the reel too much. Now, I just hold it very gently. Easy does it!

I use AP reels, and have had some problems loading them. Normally it is because of moisture building up inside my changing bag. My reels can be changed from 135 to 120 (as most reels probably), and I found it worked better if I pulled lightly on the edges of the reel. That usually helps.

[BOSS565]

Hewes stainless steel reels are the best. Never had a problem loading them.

[Blacknoise]

I use paterson reels (that are similar afaik) and sometimes the film can jam, i first try sharply tapping the reel on a hard surface, and then sort of wiggling the spool edges gently, seems to work. But the main problem with mine was dirt on the bearings that pull the film round, worked much better after I cleaned it with an old toothbrush.

[Paul.]

Never had a problem loading 120 onto plastic reels, Paterson or Jobo, do it stood up in the darkroom, once the first couple of inches are on the reel its plain sailing.
Paul.