Interchangagle tank and reel question

[Misty]

I have a simple question:) I was wondering if tanks and reels are interchangable meaning-- Can I use a 120 mm or 110 mm reel in a 35mm tank that has the capacity for 2 35mm reels? And vice versa. The situation is I have all these 35mm tanks and 120 mm reels and 110mm reels but no 120 or 110 mm developing tanks:) Thanks:) I am starting up my own LF format darkroom for the first time so I have lots to learn:)

[Nick_3536]

Misty 110mm or 120 aren't really LF -) You might get more/better answers on www.apug.org

My tanks can use a range of reels. Actually my 35mm reels expand to 120/220 so it's the same reel. Does that mean all tanks can? No idea. But many can.

[Misty]

I am actually starting my own LF darkroom in addition to smaller size films:) and I am recieving tanks and reels in the mail soon for the smaller format, but I figure the forum could answer my question:) The tanks are stainless steel tanks for 35mm...and I havw with it on the way 120 mm and 110 mm size reels so I was wondering if 120mm and 110 mm reels would fit inside a 35mm tank (this take holds more than one 35mm reel) soo. I hope that helps to answer my question:)

[Louie Powell]

Misty -

A tank that will hold two stainless steel 35mm reels will almost always hold one roll film reel.

But that generality does not necessarily extend to proprietary plastic tank/reel systems. In that case, you need to check with the manufacturer.

[M Brian Mills]

and...

110 film is VERY different from 120 film. 110 film is only 15.5 mm across and 120 and 220 films are 60 mm across. 4x5 film is close to 110 mm at about 102 mm on the 4-inch side, and 127 mm on the 5-inch side...if you average those and round down a little you could re-label 4x5 film as 110 mm film.

Just pointing out the folly in adding 'mm' to film-types.

That aside...reels for 220 film will fit only in tanks for 220 reels because they are larger in diameter to accommodate twice as much length as 120 film.

Good luck with that lab!

[John Cook]

Misty, the simple answer is yes, in stainless. Plastic tanks and reels are usually unique.

A pint tank will hold two 35mm reels or one 120 reel. A quart tank will hold double this. Same for tall tanks which do four 120 or eight 35mm.

Never used 110, so I don't know how thick the reels are.

You need to use a full complement of reels, empty or with film, to keep a single reel from travelling back and forth as you invert the tank. This increased travel will increase the amount of development and will require compensation.

By the way, insist on Hewes King Concept stainless reels. Accept no substitute:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=search&Q=&b=199&shs=&ci=5077&ac=&Submit.x=10&Submit.y=4

[robc]

A paterson plastic tank with a paterson reel will take 135, 120 or 220 film. The plastic reel pulls out to accommodate 120 film and the length of the reel is such that it will take two 120 films so it will also take 220 film and all in the same tank and reel (not all at once though).