2x35mm Hewes Reels too tall for Nikor tank!

[neelin]

Just treated myself to two authentic Hewes 135mm reels and I find they're about .5 to 1mm too tall to allow my Nikor tank to seal.
I've got my secondary tank that seems to seal better, a non-Nikor with a steel top & a metal tab on the cap to assist lifting off.

Yes, Virginia...Hewes reels really are better.

Robert

[frobozz]

Hewes reels have thicker wire and do indeed sit taller than standard reels. I've never met a single-reel tank they didn't fit in, but indeed the multi-reel tanks can be a problem. But here's where Nikor's infamous "every tank is a unique creation" problem can be a benefit - you can eventually find one that will accomodate your reels! I have 2-reel and 4-reel Nikor tanks that can handle that number of Hewes reels. The two different Nikor lid-pour systems play a part too. One hangs down more than the other and can affect how many Hewes reels will fit. With tanks so cheap these days you can either buy a few until you get a good one... or ask ebay sellers, say, for precise measurements of tank height and compare to the one you have that's too short.

Duncan

[bill@lapetelabs.com]

If the Hewes reels sit on top of their horizontal braces they are about 1/8 inch taller. rotate them so the braces sit next to each other and they will drop down by that 1/8 inch! Works for me!