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Thanks for the recommendations, guys. Very useful.

 

I approached a few online retailers, and Roy Knickel from RK Photographic has come to the party with what I want. I'm starting slowly with an ISE stainless tank for one roll of 35 mm film, and Hewes stainless spiral and a couple of clips (expensive wee buggers, those).

 

Can't wait for them to arrive so I can start processing!

 

Cheers

John

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If you are new to changing bags and are going to roll in a bag I would think you could make a basic wire frame to hold the upper layer of cloth off your hands if that helps.

Coat hanger wire soldered at both ends with a small arc should do the trick.

 

I was going to use my wine cellar, as I suspect it is light-tight. Give me something to drink at the same time.:p

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Been using the same Nikkor stainless for 50 years now. Added to original kit, but the first still works fine and is what I use most.

 

Black plastic caps are said to crack. I did not believe it until it happened to me. Got a radial crack center to edge when capping the tank. Quite silent , but when the lights went on, the film was ruined.

 

Plastic age hardens. Be careful.

 

Hewes, Kinderman, used Nikkor are all good. Brooks and other unbranded are junk junk junk.

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When I was developing I tried all kinds of reels and tanks.

The best reels for 35mm were Hewes. Kinderman for tanks. Kinderman reels were very close to the Hewes reels.

 

And yes, loading 120 in a dark bag on a reel results in ugly moon shaped kinks in the film that really ruin the experience. The only solution to the kinks problem is to load those 120 reels often so you get into a rhythm. But if you do it only every few months like I used to it's bad news. Kink city.

 

I'll get rid of all my darkroom enlarging equipment(let me know if anyone wants a V35 Focomat + easel and stuff) without too much emotional attachment.

But it'll hurt to get rid of those stainless steel reels and tanks

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Stainless is the only way to go, stress free:)

Otherwise, using plastic you're the one that will end up in a darkened room;)

 

I've been happily using Patterson (plastic) since the '70s and never had a problem. They only become a bit sticky if not fully dry.

 

I've not tried a changing bag as a windowless bathroom is already there for my use; much easier than learning a new bit of kit.

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I've been happily using Patterson (plastic) since the '70s and never had a problem. They only become a bit sticky if not fully dry

 

Same here

 

I do notice that the reels get a little pitted over time and there's a build up of gunk that benefits from being cleaned off - this is after developing a few hundred rolls.

 

The key is to make sure they're dry. If so I've never had a problem loading 35mm film. 120 is another matter, but I've never shot much of that.

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