jneilt Posted April 3, 2012 Share #1 Posted April 3, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) ...go? no-go? I have yet to fool with one. Been using a plastic paterson with good results...I just don't like how it feels when damp after a cycle... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 Hi jneilt, Take a look here stainless reels.... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
davidbaddley Posted April 4, 2012 Share #2 Posted April 4, 2012 In my opinion, steel is the only way to go. Better flow of chemicals (not as restrictive as plastic) for more affective and less streak-prone agitation, easier to clean, and faster/easier to load once you get the hang of it. Also, won't stiffen up with use/age. Plastic is easier to learn, which is why they're popular with students, but most serious photographers prefer steel. Get good reels, cheap reels can be frustrating. Hewes is the best. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_d Posted April 4, 2012 Share #3 Posted April 4, 2012 (edited) I have both plastic and steel but prefer the Patterson. Never had density streaks from the plastic reels. You have to let the Patterson plastic reals dry 100% before using again. I have plenty of extra reels so I can let them dry and keep processing. Stainless tanks and reels transfer heat better so if you are picky about maintaining developer temperature by setting the tank in a tempered bath between agitation cycles, it does a better job than plastic. FYI, stainless reels will not work in the Patterson tanks. Edited April 4, 2012 by dave_d Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
too old to care Posted April 4, 2012 Share #4 Posted April 4, 2012 My SS reels are 40 years old and still look like new. Takes a bit of getting used to, but they work great. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted April 4, 2012 Share #5 Posted April 4, 2012 My SS reels are 40 years old and still look like new. Takes a bit of getting used to, but they work great. Agreed. I still use the Honeywell Nikor stainless tanks and reels I bought in college in 1967. The Nikor tanks were all stainless, even the caps. Still like new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stealth3kpl Posted April 4, 2012 Share #6 Posted April 4, 2012 I swapped to stainless because I found the plastic reels a bind for 120mm. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it. The plastic ones are fine for 35mm if you keep them clean (toothbrush on the ball bearings). Now I use the SS reels for 35mm too although I've no particular preference regarding their use for 35mm. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted April 4, 2012 Share #7 Posted April 4, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I use the Hewes-made SS reels for the JOBO 1500 system tanks. But I have the JOBO plastic reels as well. I use both without hesitation, as both work very well. I used to have a strong preference for the SS reels/tanks, because that's what I thought was the most effective tool for loading/unloading the film. I still think SS reels are more effective for 120 film, but for 135 format, I find plastic reels are slightly quicker to load and unload than my SS reels as long as they are clean and dry to start. YMMV with your reel decisions, but everyone will agree that the most important aspect is how effectively YOU can load and develop and unload the film without damaging it. All else is just personal preferences. When trying out a new film loading system, I recommend sacrificing a roll with which to practise your technique Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted April 4, 2012 Share #8 Posted April 4, 2012 Agreed. I still use the Honeywell Nikor stainless tanks and reels I bought in college in 1967. The Nikor tanks were all stainless, even the caps. Still like new. Same age as mine or maybe mine are 1960. Anyway they work as new. Nikor reels and tanks . Cheap knockoffs are to be AVOIDED. I was gifted with some and they are junk. The ones with the black plastic cover will surprise you some day when the cap splits in the dark. You will flip on the lights and the film gets a double exposure. Plastic can be made to work. Keep photoflow and stabalizer for color totally off the plastic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdozier Posted April 4, 2012 Share #9 Posted April 4, 2012 +1 on the Hewes ss reels. I've been using them for years and they're great. Easy to load and keep even, constant spacing without problems and easy flow. Very nice. m Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokoshawnuff Posted April 4, 2012 Share #10 Posted April 4, 2012 Another recommendation for the Hewes reels (pic is not of actual reels), with the easy load tabs instead of the typical clips. They dry faster, clean easier, and will presumably last a life time. Also by using the more compact (compared to anything plastic) steel reels and tanks you will save on chemicals—I know chemicals are cheap, but still... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sebastel Posted April 5, 2012 Share #11 Posted April 5, 2012 i like my hewes reel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_livsey Posted April 9, 2012 Share #12 Posted April 9, 2012 . FYI, stainless reels will not work in the Patterson tanks. They will if you buy the correct ones RK Photographic Hewes Stainless Steel Spiral- 35mm with 1 Inch core for Paterson Tanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ymc226 Posted April 9, 2012 Share #13 Posted April 9, 2012 I've tried the steel ones (Hewes) and still have trouble loading at times without damaging the edges; more so on 120 than 135. The Paterson ones are fine but even better if you live in the USA, Freestyle photo has these plastic ones with larger plastic tabs that make loading very easy. Being that I develop in batches and that these reels are less expensive than Paterson's, I've accumulated 40 of these over the years. They don't wear out. Arista Premium Plastic Developing Reel | Freestyle Photographic Supplies Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broadside Posted April 10, 2012 Share #14 Posted April 10, 2012 Available on ebay now which might be of use to someone. ILFORD 120 ROLL FILM LOADER & SPIRAL Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pierovitch Posted April 10, 2012 Share #15 Posted April 10, 2012 Just used my 1970's reels this afternoon for a 120 roll from a 1933 Art deco Rolleicord. The rodinal was over a decade old and the film expired in 1995. Some old methods just work. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frase Posted April 10, 2012 Share #16 Posted April 10, 2012 In my opinion, steel is the only way to go. Better flow of chemicals (not as restrictive as plastic) for more affective and less streak-prone agitation, easier to clean, and faster/easier to load once you get the hang of it. Also, won't stiffen up with use/age. Plastic is easier to learn, which is why they're popular with students, but most serious photographers prefer steel. Get good reels, cheap reels can be frustrating. Hewes is the best. I'm quite a serious photographer, a full time press photographer (obviously not shooting film for work any more just for pleasure) I like the plastic paterson ones better than the steel ones, I have both and never use the steel. I think using steel reels is in the same category as not using LCD screen and only cropping in camera;) Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrybed Posted April 10, 2012 Share #17 Posted April 10, 2012 I swear by the Hewes reels. And the difference between them and any other stainless reel is night and day. I believe that they are also sold under the name King Concept, but you might want to double check that. If taken care of they will last several lifetimes. Thousands of years from now archeologists will find them in the dirt and wonder what they were used for! Robbie http://robbiebedell.photoshelter.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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