How to EASILY Load a Roll of 120 Film for Developing in a Paterson Tank.

Buy me a roll of film or coffee? paypal.me/FilmPhotoChannel
My Flickr Channel: tinyurl.com/ydfvjkg9
Here's some great tips on EXACTLY how to load 120 film on to a Paterson tank reel.
Donate to my Channel paypal.me/FilmPhotoChannel
Buy Film, New/Used Cameras at Adorama adorama.rfvk.net/YY6rR
My Blog: filmphotographychannelyt.blog...
My Flickr Channel: tinyurl.com/ydfvjkg9

[@mueslimuncher1950]

I've used Paterson tanks for years, and what most people don't realise is when the reel is adjusted for 120, it can take TWO rolls, one loaded after the other. This is because it's designed for 220 film!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks for weighing in. This a great pro tip that I never thought about. So you can develop as many as 4 rolls on two spools?

[@mueslimuncher1950]

@@FilmPhotographyChannel Yes, if you have the taller tank.

[@smokeybear390]

how does it push the first roll further onto the reel, it most likely won't and you'll just end up with 2 pieces of film stuck together, not developing properly.

[@brentdrafts2290]

@@smokeybear390 in the dark bag I keep the tape tab from the paper connected to the film, load the opposite end onto the reel first. When you feel the tab of tape(on the film near the reel) as you load the add you next opposite end of film to the first film tab, and carefully continue to load the next roll. Cut off the tape from the end of the second roll to complete. It is a good idea to cut the loading corners of the first piece of to side in loading the two rolls of film. You can also reassemble the to rolls of film and use a piece of scotch tape, making the tape slightly shorter in width so as not to drag or jam on the reel.

[@gahuberflyboy]

Did not realize that, thank you kindly!

[@SteveKeith]

Thank you for sacrificing a roll of ektar to show us new guys how it's done!

[@kerime.7861]

It was already dead. But great vid.

[@mike747436]

If you use a pair of scissors to snip off the corners at the start of the film (at approx. 45 degrees), you're less likely to have it jam on you whilst loading onto the reel.

[@DavidGriffin]

Redo this great video brotha. The world will watch.

[@rogerwalker3201]

There's a suggestion I might add. Prior to placing the lead edge of the film on the reel, I would rather CUT the backing off especially at the end of the roll to eliminate any chance of fogging the exposed film due to static electricity; the separating of the taped edge to the backing to the film could cause a static discharge. I would also suggest that if you are wearing a wrist watch that has a luminous dial, that you take it off prior to loading your film.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Wow, very detailed and great info! Thanks for the input. I'm pinning this to the top of the thread.

[@kevinbuja4373]

ROGER WALKER You beat me to the punch. Especially if you live in areas of the country where there is winter where the air gets drier and the chance of static electricity can be discharged like a little spark that would fog the film.

[@markandrewhoran]

As a newbie just starting to develop my own film at home, your videos have been ENORMOUSLY helpful. From loading film onto spools to how to retrieve film headers and just your sharing of good, sound, experienced knowledge. Thank you so much!

[@thrillsandmagic]

I know this is video four years old but this helped me immensely for my first 120 development! Thank you!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

You’re very welcome. Given that there isn’t any new formats of consumer film or film cameras being developed, I expect my videos to be relevant for a long time to come. Thanks for stopping by! 😃

[@slimjim340]

Excellent demonstration. Years ago, I developed my B&W film on metal reels with a metal tank. I sacrificed a practice roll in the daylight just to see how the film loads visually. I then went into my closet at night to load. The daylight practice helps a lot.

[@TheHeavyGrain]

Great video, cheers for this. I’ve done my own 35mm for a while now but doing my first rolls of 120 onto my own Patterson tank this weekend and had no idea what to do with the paper backing haha.

[@alexmaur8817]

I recently started a job assisting a disabled photographer, having very little experience in developing film prior. I mostly worked in digital years ago, but this dude is old school! Working an expander, dodging and burning, etc, have been easy to learn. But this... this is the bane of my existence, and he only let's me practice with my eyes closed lol. This video will surely be playing in my mind when loading film today

[@alexmaur8817]

Update: successfully processed 6 rolls today! Turns out when I practiced in the dark last week, I loaded the effing PAPER on the the reel. That was a funny discovery. Your video totally helped me calm down in the moment and handle the film much better, thank you!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Good to hear your progressing overall!

[@BobGamble]

I was rolling around on the floor with the dark bag, hopping on one foot and slamming in to the walls trying to get that film on the reel until I re-watched your video. Thanks for the great tips. I moved along after watching and it's ready to develop.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Great news. That whole process can be a real pain until you get used to it.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

BTW, I LOL'd all over the place from your description of your experience with the bag. Just Bananas! I don't know why I didn't put that in my original response but, yeah, LOL

I personally think 120 is easier than 135, except for the sticky tape part. But with these instructions even the most clueless newbie would know how to do it. Thank you, sir!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks; That was exactly my intention.

[@FanDutch]

Thank you for showing us! I look forward to watching more of your videos

[@brennerpenner]

Thanks for posting! Helped me out with my first roll of 120.

[@pioni2]

This is the first good tutorial on loading a 120 film to a regular Paterson tank. Excellent, as your videos always are. So far I've used an old Rondinax for 120 because I never bothered to do the same on a Paterson. Now that I think of it, it might be because of at the time of developing my first 120 I saw a tutorial for Rondinax and not for Paterson and it kind of stuck due to my laziness. :)

[@phil_koch]

Just loaded my first roll of medium format and this video was super helpful! Thank you!

[@snax_4820]

Thank you ... it helped. God will reward you in heaven with a new roll of film.

[@BarwickGreen]

I've developed plenty of 35mm film but am apprehensive about loading 120 onto the spiral - I feel much happier about it now thank you so much!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Great to hear!

[@np-nl8ck]

Great video, great tips you answered all my questions thanks!

[@brucekraft744]

Thanks for this demo. I'm just getting back into developing film after about 35 years. I appreciated the tips. I've got chemistry, so I guess it's time to shoot!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Sounds like a great time to come; enjoy!

[@eedddyyyy]

Thank you so much very helpful, first time developing 120 let’s see how it goes

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Thanks for another helpful and informative video. Getting ready to develop my first roll of 120. Happy day!

[@giulias.5104]

Start at 6:32. Thank you very much sir.

[@peiwang5509]

Thank you so much!very helpful!

[@MrTolsten]

Thank you so much, sir! Was getting super nervous about loading my first ever roll of 120. You have put my mind at ease.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Glad I could help.

[@maciej3373]

The story about your voigtlander almost broke my heart 😭 thank you for the instructions!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

It was heartbreaking to watch. It flew six feet in the air before landing on the concrete. It seem like it was in the air for an eternity!

[@tzilpoctil777]

Thank you for this! I just bought some expired film I thought was 35mm. Ended up being 828, paper backed film. I’ve only ever done 35mm, so I was unsure how to do paper backed film. Gonna buy a cheapo 828 camera and shoot that old film, then use your method to load the film into my tank. Thankfully, it’s essentially 35mm without the sprockets, yielding a larger image. We’ll see!!! Again, thanks!!!

[@HugeDisgrace]

Thank you so much! I'll develop my first roll of 120 today, I'm excited to see how it turns out. This had a lot of useful tips and cleared up all the questions i had. Thanks!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Please share a link if you post any of them. Thanks!

[@animeditor]

thanks for making this video!

[@TristanPott]

Thanks for showing how the paper is attached and can be removed. That's really good to know

[@Vintage35MM]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m restarting my film hobby and my developing tank is 50 yrs old. I’ve been looking at the Paterson tanks because most everyone on YT seems to be using them. I understood how the slick ratcheting action works, but your video showed me that the funnel system fills the tank from the bottom, and it looks like it might fill faster than my antique. I’m gonna upgrade 👍. I’m unclear how liquids drain outta the tank. But I’m sure it will be faster and enable better overall timimg

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

I’ve heard some very negative opinions about the Paterson tanks from my viewers but they work for me. I like using them.

[@leoeva1982]

Exactly what I needed to know, thanks :)

[@samue1991]

Thanks for the video, it's given me a lot more confidence for home developing

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

You’re welcome!

[@eliotferki5690]

Very thorough, thanks!

[@eleanorburns8686]

Just taking up film photography now as I picked up an old bakelite camera and have to give it a go. This video is so invaluable and I plan to watch it many times before taking the plunge... x

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Glad it was useful for you!

[@chloebarrick9500]

Thank you for this!! This really helped me, just finished loading and developing my first roll of 120!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Good news. I’m glad you found it useful!

[@gypsies0184]

Thanks so much for this! Got a used tank and this is so helpful - just developed my 2nd film with your help. But - crazy thing! I do it in a darkroom instead of a bag (well, it's a bathroom most of the time) and when I pulled off that bit of tape at the end, I saw a couple of sparks! It's heating season in Canada and the air gets pretty dry and static-y. Next time, maybe I'll cut it off with scissors. Still love the video but this is something to keep in mind if you're in a dry climate.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

That's a great tip. I also read that in cold temperatures you should avoid using automatic film rewinding (for cameras so-equipped) and instead manually (and slowly) rewind your film for the same reason-static electricity.

[@kuschonink]

Oh pal you did such a great job explaining thank you!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@nowayout5249]

Hey..........great idea to fold the film to ease feeding onto the spool! Something I will try next time.

[@scottwillis1401]

Thank you. You are so thorough and calm. Much appreciated. Cheers

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks so much

[@relaxwithme3266]

Thanks man, much appreciated!

[@Madguru]

going to try this soon. this is giving me confidence that it is possible..even by me. thank you.

[@colmanian]

Wonderfully informative and clear video. Thanks!!

[@alex_fryingpan]

Thank you so much! My grandma gave me an old camera of hers and I’m trying to figure out how I’m acually gonna like get any pictures. this video is gonna be so helpful!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Good to hear! Thanks for stopping by

[@Mario_DiSanto]

Thanks man, great video.

[@christopherfairfowl5521]

Useful tip about flattening the leading edge, it will make my life easier from now on. 👍 thanks.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Happy to help!

[@sandybeveridge1808]

Just got gifted a Paterson Super System 4 and had no idea what I was looking at, having never developed film before. This video was brilliant, thanks. Now to take the plunge 🙈

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Haha I wish you luck my friend. Check out my video on how to develop color c-41 film if that’s what you plan on using.

[@sheister]

Thanks so much for this video! Really helpful. I just mixed my chemicals and am about to attempt my first roll ever. And my deepest sympathies for your Voigtlander...

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Lol, thanks. I actually got it repaired and it's in good shape with the exception of one of the top dials which isn't as smooth as before but not bad. Good luck with the development of your first roll. My advice: take your time; read the instructions twice and make sure the temperatures are correct.

[@juliozavala5865]

This was super helpful my dude

[@Ikgeloofhetniet]

thank you for this great video!

[@SilverEyeOfTiger]

First time and this vid helped a ton! Thank u!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@Niximagery]

Thank you! This is such a helpful tutorial. Hope your camera got fixed OK!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks so much. The camera was repaired and works great now.

[@eugenijusjanuskevicius2292]

That was the trick I've learned on the 35 mm film after long trying to push it into the reel. It had no friction bearings, but I could gently stop the film with my fingers.

[@boondoc001]

Thanks for the info. I'm not jumping into medium format yet but this is good to know

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Medium format is awesome. I go back and forth between it and 35mm. The way I see it medium format is low volume and more purposeful and slows you down even more than 35mm film. The big negatives are incredible too.

[@zdrhy]

Great vid, thx.

[@FCSBlog]

Thank you for this vid, helped me a lot with my first 120 film

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

That’s great to hear. Thanks

[@someonemearth5197]

Great job. Very helpful thank you

[@CHRISTOPH-B]

That helped me a lot! Thx! ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@BretMiller]

Most helpful video! Thank you so much!

[@RunNGunPhoto]

Super informative video - Thanks for sharing! I'm about to pick up a paterson tank because having someone else develop my film is so darn expensive.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Yep. And it’s so simple to develop your own film.

[@RunNGunPhoto]

Absolutely! Thank you again 👍🏻

[@vertusmatjaz]

I am gonna develop my first medium format film today. It helped me a lot.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Congrats! I’m glad I could help.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Also if you haven’t already, please check my videos on film processing and scanning. tinyurl.com/uz6y3h3

[@mikkelyt9420]

Very useful video, thanks for taking the time 🙂👍🏻. Cheers..

[@jimmyjames2303]

The way I've always done it, although I also usually snip a very, very, small piece off the corners so they don't snag on the spokes.

[@gilbertbeltran1562]

Nice video, thank you!

[@fredmagnin860]

like always, very useful video, thank you so much

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

I’m glad you found it useful. Thanks

[@Vendrldl]

Few videos I can watch of someone simply talking and enjoy it as much as I did this video

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks

[@dangerpowers123]

Great advice. I learnt how to do this recently and the tips on where to keep your thumbs when using the film reel to rachett in the film is a subtle thing it took me awhile to work out...and how to load the film etc... Good advice

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Thanks!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Awesome mate I’ve done 35mm before and about to do some 120 so this was helpful. New sub for ya mate cheers Paul 📷❤️

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Glad it helped and thanks for the sub!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Film Photography Channel welcome mate 📷❤️

[@silva-anderida7695]

Interesting.Cheers!

[@MacShrike]

Thank you. Very clear. 👍🤗🙋🏻‍♂️

[@chadroberts44]

Thanks man!

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Thanks for this...I will use a dark room.

[@splootan]

Great video, quick question, would you recommend the Patterson tank or a Lab box? Thanks

[@devinlouverture2557]

I appreciate you

[@GabrielDalposso]

Great video, thanks! Now I just gotta train that brain muscle. :)

[@James-gz6iq]

Make sure the ball bearings are loose, not locked forward. That'll keep the film edges even from falling from the edge guide.

[@avistop1]

Thank you

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

You're welcome!

[@MilliePat]

After spending numerous hours twisting a Paterson reel for 120 films I finally got the reel notches in the correct position. My smalls hand struggled with these reels for hours and the hard plastic had to be broken down enough so I could get the notches lined up parallel. New reels are very stiff to move.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

They can be a pain to use especially when you’re starting out. That’s why I thought the video might be helpful.

[@AndyTran]

Super helpful video. Thank you! I wanted to ask. For my tank I have a little rod that isn't shown in the video. Do I just not use that rod at all?

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

The rod is for agitation of the film spool inside the tank. Lots of people never use it and opt to invert the tank as a means of agitation verses scrolling the spool back and forth. Either method works just fine.

[@AndyTran]

@@FilmPhotographyChannel Ahh Thank you so much

[@zairrewright4131]

So hype you have a bessa ii what are your thoughts on it I have one currently coming in the mail to me this week it’s my first medium format camera any tips for the camera itself? Anything I should look out for that you’ve noticed from use? Look forward to heading back

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

It's a pretty fun and simple camera to use overall. If I have any tips they would be: 1. Always advance the film IMMEDIATELY after taking a photo to avoid taking unintended double exposures. 2. Try to NOT change the shutter speed AFTER cocking the shutter. It can lead to damage.

[@chrisfrochaux6245]

Should have watched this before I managed to break the film!

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Ouch, sorry to hear that!

[@mikedrop8865]

Thanks for sharing! Quick question (maybe dumb) 🥴🤔. Do you put the chemicals into the tank first, put it (open lid) into the changing bag with the reels and film, then load film onto reels and then into tank, then securing lid? Or do you just add the chemicals after taking out of bag (since it’s light-sealed)? Probably a dumb question but I’m picturing me spilling it in the bag lol

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

No, what I do is load the film onto the reel and insert the loaded reel into the tank and close the light-tight top. After that I start adding the chemicals per the development process.

[@stuartconnelly5397]

One of the spool that I have has a red tab. So basically you can put 2 rolls of 120 on a spool. Remove the red tab, wind the first in, the click the red tab down and put the second one one. Never tried it, I think you need to be very familiar with doing. Jobo spools I think.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

I’ve never used Jobo. I only have Paterson

[@sofiaanimal7417]

thanks

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Welcome!

[@smokeybear390]

does it ever get too hot in your changing bag? any tips

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Yes!! Or I should say it used to. Once I became proficient at film loading, it was "no sweat", lol. When I first started using the changing bag it was a real pain. Remember to trim the sharp corners of your film so it doesn't get stuck in the spool and always pull the film leader past the ball-bearings of the spool before you start ratcheting.

[@gilbertbeltran1562]

Great video! Thank you. And don't worry, I know how hard unscripted narration is! :))

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Lol thanks

[@user-rw5do6xz1v]

Just did my first roll of film. Tried doing it in bag for about 1hr half then finally decided to try it in bathroom only took about three mins....

[@donkeypoo99]

I can’t seem to get the film spool to adjust to the 120 size. It feel like I’m going to break it

[@32ndFoto]

If i am developing ONE roll of 120 in tall tank do i still have to put empty 2nd reel into tank.?

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

No not in a Paterson tank. Just make sure to push it to the bottom

[@MilliePat]

Two hours trying to get a roll 120 film on the Paterson reel. Purchased from B and H camera last month, and the reel sprockets will not align across from each other, no matter how much I pull, twist and push. Impossible to use the reel without the correct alignment. Anyone have any suggestions?

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Hi yes the same thing happened to me a while back. You have to take them apart and align them correctly. It’s possible to lock the reels in the wrong position which will make them unusable for mounting film. It’s kind of hard but try to take them apart without breaking them. Once you do, you can line them up correctly and click them into place.

[@kleenslatecreative181]

Hey Brother. Every time I try to load my spool in the bag I get resistance once it loops and my film comes out super scratched and jacked up.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Make sure that you feed the film past the ball bearings in the spool before you start ratcheting. You can do this outside of the bag. Also the spool should be perfectly dry otherwise the film will stick.

[@kleenslatecreative181]

Film Photography Channel thanks for the quick response. I’ll give this a try and update you. I think your trick of trying to straighten out the first few centimeters may help as well. Thanks so much.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

You’re welcome. Also make sure the leading edge of the film corners are rounded off.

[@hippo_since2012]

Thanks for sharing! But I think maybe I still need to waste one roll to practice under daylight.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

It also helps if you trim the corners (with scissors) of the leading edge of the film. Makes it much easier to load.

[@dalehammond1749]

In have no problem in daylight but still can't do it on the Paterson reel in the dark bag. I have no problem at all with 35 film. I've tried several other brand tanks with hit and miss results. Today I lost 5 pictures on a roll of 120 due to film touching in another type of reel. It jumped track. Somebody has to invent a better way for 120 film.

[@Duckgrabber]

Thanks! This helped a lot. I was starting to think the reels were made by the devil. ;-)

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Hahah, Glad I could help!

[@denniswilliams4789]

Start with stainless steel reels from day one. The plastic variety does not hold up and stains. There is so much bulk it interferes with flow. Stainless will look and operate as new after two decades.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Good points and all true. I think the stainless steel containers maintain the temperature better as well.

[@caitlingriffin3977]

I can't get the spool to go to 120 mm for the life of me. Any advice?

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Make sure the tabs are lined up then rotate counterclockwise. If you've already have them apart, same thing; Line up the tabs and rotate clockwise until it clicks.

[@caitlingriffin3977]

Thank you so much it worked!@@FilmPhotographyChannel

[@dalkapur]

I unravel the film first, pulling off the backing paper as I go, and rip off the end bit. That leaves me with just the film to rachet onto the reel. Makes it less fiddly.

[@dukenukem5768]

I've never used a changing bag, it sounds like a nightmare. I've always done this after dark, in the broom cupboard, with all the lights in the house turned off. I thought changing bags were just for photojournalists developing film in hotel rooms, but maybe I'm wrong.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

I’m sure that’s one of the applications for a changing bag. I’ve used them for years. If you ever get one, I recommend a larger one. They’re a lot easier to use. It takes a while to develop the muscle memory to be able to load a real within the bag.

[@CyberCreeper22]

my reel is stuck in 35 mm (probs cause its an old one showing age or Im just weak) any one knows what I can do?

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

It should just take a quick twist to unlock it. Twist each wheel in opposite directions from each other. It shouldn’t take a lot of pressure.

[@CyberCreeper22]

@@FilmPhotographyChannel well then there's defenetly something gone wrong cause I put fair amount of pressure and nothin happenin

[@CyberCreeper22]

oh Im talking about the patterson tank

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

Lol, so sorry I’ve got my conversations crossed! So it shouldn’t take much pressure at all. It seems odd thought. I’ve had my Patterson reals for more than ten years and never had a problem with them. So they move back and forth freely but won’t unlock? It’s curious.

[@CyberCreeper22]

@@FilmPhotographyChannelyes exactly. ikr they must be like reaaly old cause even before they locked up they squeaky

[@MichaelLloyd]

I have watched this video at least 6 times. I wish I had a darkroom, but I don't. After over an hour of trying to load 120 film on a reel, I'm now certain that loading 120 film on a Patterson reel, in a Patterson tent, is the challenge I will receive when it's time to pass through the pearly gates. I'm equally certain that the test was created by Satan himself (or herself). In light of that, I will just jump off of the metaphorical cloud into the seething cauldron below and take the easy way out. This is why I prefer 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 sheet film.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

I would point out a thing or two in case they might help. Check the leading corners of the film to make sure that they aren’t sticking out and getting stuck in the reel. You can roll the leading edge of the film backwards (against the curl) to make the leading part of the film straight instead of curly. Also can you pre load just an inch of the film onto the reel before putting everything in the bag? The first few inches are blank and have no photos. Good luck!

[@MichaelLloyd]

@@FilmPhotographyChannel Another YT person said not to get frustrated. That didn't work lol. Another YT channel suggested putting a folded photo paper ramp (I used thin mylar that I have for making digital negatives), through the reel slots, in front of the feed openings. That helped a lot once I figured out that the ball bearings were "stuck" (new reels). Also, I ran out of expletives... I think that's when things turned around. I have film loaded on a reel and in the tank. I can try the preload idea too, Thanks a bunch.

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

@MichaelLloyd you’re so welcome. I’m glad you made progress. I had a very similar frustration years ago loading 35mm film until it all fell in place one day. I hope in comes together for you too. It takes some of the joy of film photography away when this type of thing happens.

[@MichaelLloyd]

@@FilmPhotographyChannel I developed the film this morning. I had two over exposed negatives (first two) and 10 that may be under exposed. I'll see what happens when I scan them. I kind of expected that. I haven't shot my Hasselblad V series in almost 10 years. I haven't developed film in almost 10 years. It's been 7 years since I made a photograph that I cared about with digital or film. Simply put, I burned out. I shot the Hasselblad as a way to pull me out of the photography slump I was in. Seeing those negatives made it worth the effort. The whole process has been full of little road blocks. I forget the Hassy won't fire if the dark slide is in. With a winder, it makes a "noise" but doesn't advance the film That took a while to figure out lol. I checked my Panasonic light meter for function the day before I left on a 2000 mile round trip drive to NW New Mexico. The battery was dead. The battery is a little odd and I had to order it. No problem, I'll just use my Sekonic light meter. That got me close but it's not the Pentax and I am rusty. All I needed was an EV, except I wasn't sure about where to put the zones. In the end I went with f8 and be there. The trip was for work. I had time to shoot 2 rolls and that was it. All in all it was the kick I needed. I'll shoot some 35, more 120, then move on to 4x5 and maybe I'll get comfortable shooting 8x10. I develop the sheet film in my Jobo. Hopefully it's still functional. A darkroom would be nice to have.