1st Roll 120 problem

[eosandy]

Developed my 1st roll 120 last night. Main problem was loading the film onto the reel.
Using a Paterson tank with plastic reels, inside a dark bag.

Any tips for doing this? Or is it just practice makes perfect?
Took me almost 1 hr which was I think the cause of scratches on most negs. The development went well with most negs giving good detail and contrast.

Holga CFN
Ilford Delta 400

Really appreciate any advice.

[pipo999]

It has been too long since i loaded films in a tank but my suggestion is to use a dummy roll and practice in daylight first to get the hang of it.

Then practice in the dark if you think the loading handling is under control so now you get the same feeling without light.

After a few times practice you should be fine with the price of one roll waisted instead of losing many rolls holding your precious shots.

Good luck!

[merelyok]

Originally Posted by eosandy Developed my 1st roll 120 last night. Main problem was loading the film onto the reel. Using a Paterson tank with plastic reels, inside a dark bag. Any tips for doing this? Or is it just practice makes perfect? Took me almost 1 hr which was I think the cause of scratches on most negs. The development went well with most negs giving good detail and contrast. Holga CFN Ilford Delta 400 Really appreciate any advice.

I have a paterson tank as well, and IMO, the reels provided are way too cumbersome when trying to load a reel. I got the reels from another tank that i have, an AP dev tank, and loading after that was a breeze.

[catchlights]

looks like you dropped the film on the floor and many people step on it.

just get a strip of 120 film practice load in the day light, use your eye to see how it suppose the reel in, until you can close your both eyes and load, than practice load in the dark bag.

another thing is get the biggest dark bag you able to find.

[sweat100]

A few suggestions I can think of...

1. Does your hand get sweaty over time? If you do i suggest you wear gloves (thin latex ones) so you still can feel the film and reel well.

2. Was your reel moist and wet while loading? If it is, the film get stuck very easily, have a dry reel when you load, I find it very important.

3. Minimise clutter in the changing bag. Know where you put the stuffs before you zip it up, so the process can be speedier. Since it is a Paterson reel, know the orientation of the reel so that you know where to feed the film without feeling for it in the dark.

4. Change to a metal reel developing tank. Some say it is easier, so say it is harder. I find it quite ok to use a metal reel. Will not get stuck that easily.

[eosandy]

Originally Posted by pipo999 It has been too long since i loaded films in a tank but my suggestion is to use a dummy roll and practice in daylight first to get the hang of it. Then practice in the dark if you think the loading handling is under control so now you get the same feeling without light. After a few times practice you should be fine with the price of one roll waisted instead of losing many rolls holding your precious shots. Good luck!

Yip, good idea using dummy roll. Thanks for the encouragement pipo999.

Originally Posted by merelyok I have a paterson tank as well, and IMO, the reels provided are way too cumbersome when trying to load a reel. I got the reels from another tank that i have, an AP dev tank, and loading after that was a breeze.

Maybe have a look at steel reel however the Paterson tank & reels are new so I will persevere. Thanks merelyok.

Originally Posted by catchlights looks like you dropped the film on the floor and many people step on it. just get a strip of 120 film practice load in the day light, use your eye to see how it suppose the reel in, until you can close your both eyes and load, than practice load in the dark bag. another thing is get the biggest dark bag you able to find.

Gonna get on with practice. Thanks Catchlights.

Originally Posted by sweat100 A few suggestions I can think of... 1. Does your hand get sweaty over time? If you do i suggest you wear gloves (thin latex ones) so you still can feel the film and reel well. 2. Was your reel moist and wet while loading? If it is, the film get stuck very easily, have a dry reel when you load, I find it very important. 3. Minimise clutter in the changing bag. Know where you put the stuffs before you zip it up, so the process can be speedier. Since it is a Paterson reel, know the orientation of the reel so that you know where to feed the film without feeling for it in the dark. 4. Change to a metal reel developing tank. Some say it is easier, so say it is harder. I find it quite ok to use a metal reel. Will not get stuck that easily.

1. Yes. Good idea on gloves, will try them out.
2. No. Washed from new then dried overnight before trying however maybe sweaty over the hour!!!
3. Good idea! I will keep the tank assembled until the film is ready for loading. Tempted to seal our store-room for the extra freedom!
4. Going to persevere with Paterson plastic, however if no success soon I will give it a try! Thanks sweat100.

[eosandy]

The one good shot from the roll... thought loading 120 would be as easy as 135 (WRONG!), remebering doing this stuff at school 16 years ago!!! Just love the lack of "instant gratification" which makes good shots even better when they work out.

Thanks for viewing all.

"My Sugar has Sugar"

[chiif]

Originally Posted by eosandy The one good shot from the roll... thought loading 120 would be as easy as 135 (WRONG!), remebering doing this stuff at school 16 years ago!!! Just love the lack of "instant gratification" which makes good shots even better when they work out. Thanks for viewing all. "My Sugar has Sugar"

This shot is perfect!

One minor suggestion that you might take... (1) do the loading in an aircon room or a good fan glowing. (2) Keep the reels ABSOLUTELY DRY when loading.

[eosandy]

Originally Posted by chiif This shot is perfect! One minor suggestion that you might take... (1) do the loading in an aircon room or a good fan glowing. (2) Keep the reels ABSOLUTELY DRY when loading.

Thanks Chiif, suggestions well noted.

Like yr pinhole series on flickr... got me thinking about modding my Holga already!!!

[chiif]

Originally Posted by eosandy Thanks Chiif, suggestions well noted. Like yr pinhole series on flickr... got me thinking about modding my Holga already!!!

Pinhole is fun! It improves one's composition skill. And wide angle gives an amazing perspective!