Patterson reel problem

[Scott Walker]

I have purchased new a Patterson tank and 2 reels for 120 film and the little balls on the reels stick. I have only run about 10 rolls through each reel but right from new the things jam real bad making for frustrating loading. Does anyone know if there is a cure for this or should I just bite the bullet and buy some good stainless reels and tanks.

I would have searched the net for an answer but I didn't think goggling sticky balls would have gotten the results I was looking for

[Lachlan 717]

Are you sure that it's the balls sticking? On occasion, I find that the leading edge of the film already in the spiral gets caught on one of the radial "arms" over the spirals.

Just a thought.

[Gem Singer]

The film is attached to the backing paper by means of sticky tape.

It is possible that residue from the tape is causing your problem.

Try completely removing the film from the backing paper and starting it onto the reel from the end that is not taped.

[Scott Walker]

I have a roll of film that I accidentially developed in fixer so I tested the reels in the light and it is definately the balls. one of the reels is not that bad but the other has one ball that jams up real bad.

[Scott Walker]

Try completely removing the film from the backing paper and starting it onto the reel from the end that is not taped.

I do that, I remove the backing paper and tape before even starting the film on the spool.

[Tony Evans]

Scott,
Try angle cutting (.25 inch) the leading corners before inserting in reel.

[bobwysiwyg]

Perhaps the reel just needs a good cleaning. After such a cleaning and drying, you should be able to tap, then shake the reel and hear the little balls rattle around.

[Oren Grad]

Unfortunately, current-production Paterson reels aren't quite so well finished as older ones. But I would second Tony's suggestion about trimming the corners. Occasionally a 120 roll still does jam, but I've always been able to recover by removing the film and starting again.

[Jim Michael]

First I would clean thoroughly with something like Lysol toilet bowl cleaner which has phosphoric acid, works well for color chemistry, not sure about B&W -- denatured alcohol would be good for removing goo from tape etc.

When I load one I fold the tape over the end of the roll to make it stiff and feed that end first. I'd practice on a previously developed roll first if I had one that was uncut.

[lenser]

Obvious question, but do you load them dry? If there is even a small amount of moisture, any of the plastic reels I've ever used have jammed like crazy because the moisture bonded the film to the edges of the reel.