Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 14

Thread: Lock 'n Load (practical)

  1. #1

    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    171

    Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Hi guys,

    I wonder, do you ever have problems loading 120 or 35mm upon a patterson tank reel?
    Loading 4x5 is no problem for me, but am always struggling to get that 120/35 film on the reel.
    Any tips about this?
    Because I'm afraid that I'm about to damage my rolls while loading them up.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    2,084

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Snip the corners so that the leading edge of the film that goes onto the spiral has nicely rounded corners. This prevents the film snagging on the reel, which is the primary cause of problems loading the film.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    North Dakota
    Posts
    1,327

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Humid or damp? Any wet or moist area on the holder can cause problems. Not rinsing well after using the reel in Photo Flo can cause problems as well.
    ” Never attribute to inspiration that which can be adequately explained by delusion”.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    171

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Yes, but my main concern is more that the roll, rolls up on the loose end while rolling it up into the reel..
    This must sound confusing. :-)

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula
    Posts
    5,808

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Are you new to using these reels? I am. I got started by practicing loading in daylight. Also watching YouTube videos. Then practice with eyes closed. Then in changing bag. Then in changing bag with eyes closed.

    My tips (as a novice): bend film tip backward to flatten film helps it go under the ball bearings easier. Then put thumbs over loading gate sides so film doesn’t “flip out”. I let the film curl but keep the curl aligned with the loading gate, Guiding with pinkie fingers. Also, found it easier to twist only one side of reel rather than twisting both simultaneously...
    Last edited by BrianShaw; 13-Mar-2020 at 07:56. Reason: Spelling.

  6. #6
    C. D. Keth's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    2,089

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Yeah it can be tricky for a while, especially those tight 220 reels. You just have to practice in the light, then close your eyes and only look as a bail-out, then move on to doing live film.
    -Chris

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Hamilton, Canada
    Posts
    1,881

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    I let the curled film run between my pinkie (towards me) and ring (away from me) fingers just below the reel.
    And yes, clip the leading corners to round them off, a 45 degree clip of about 1/8 inch on each corner works.

  8. #8
    Tin Can's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    22,387

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    I HAD to get these new style with big ramps, my beat up fingers love them.

    https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...l.html/reviews
    Tin Can

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,908

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    Try loading roll film with a thumb and the 2 adjacent fingers having no feeling. I do it, but not like I used to.

  10. #10

    Re: Lock 'n Load (practical)

    All the above suggestions are good advice.

    I always dry and warm up the reel with a hair dryer before loading the film …….... even if it is a dry hot day.

Similar Threads

  1. Broken plastic part for Cambo SF (lock bar for Rise/Fall lock knob)
    By Scott Teven in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 3-Aug-2017, 12:11
  2. Is f11 max practical in the field?
    By Fr. Mark in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 32
    Last Post: 19-Apr-2017, 16:47
  3. Why 2 1/4 format is more practical for me.
    By tom thomas in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 19-Nov-2008, 11:00
  4. Practical Uses for a 545?
    By Frank Petronio in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 5-Nov-2008, 11:15
  5. No high speed film in quick-load/ready-load.
    By Renato Tonelli in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 5-Dec-2007, 18:10

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •