Loading 120 film onto a developing reel

My approach to the process of loading 120 film, ready for developing. Hope it helps some of you in what can be a fiddly process...
Just a little follow-up in 2023: I’ve since tried simply folding the sticky tab over the film, instead of cutting it - works for me… Also, I’ve seen elsewhere someone use a shoebox on its side in the change bag, which serves to keep the weight off the fabric off your hands - seems like a good idea. Lastly, as someone pointed out in comments, your reel and tank have to be bone dry, no moisture from previous use!
P.s. apologies for being dormant. I have plenty of ideas but little motivation these days. Hopefully that’ll change… x
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[@relaxwithme3266]

Thank you! If you can imagine it, picture me at midnight with my hands stuck in a changing bag for 1 hour last night. Wrecked my roll and wanted to throw the Patterson tank into the river. I will try again with these tips.

[@wernerswannet]

That guiding paper is a real game changer. How stupid of me not to think of that earlier. I use now a piece of 35mm film. It fit right in between the slots. Thanks a million!!

[@dalehammond1704]

I never had much trouble loading 35mm but years ago I gave up on 120 into the Paterson reel because I just couldn't do it although I tried every trick I could find including yours. Finally about two weeks ago I decided I must see what's on some old 620 exposed film I found. So I set the Paterson reel to 120 size and commenced once again. It was an absolute nightmare. But determination drove me to continue and finally this morning I managed to load a ca. 1960's 620 roll onto my Paterson! I did the Happy Dance! After some 300+ tries using a dark bag over the last couple weeks I think I'm beginning to understand the technique. I found I must use a very light touch. The whole thing is done via feeling. A certain feeling is needed to find the entry point and to position the film at the proper position so it will ratchet onto the reel. One can't learn this simply by watching somebody else. It takes practice and that "chilled-out" attitude. People with thin and highly flexible/sensitive fingers would do best at this.

[@larssondesign3642]

Great tip on the card insert!!! I loaded my first roll of 120 last night....it took me 30-45 minutes fumbling until I finally got it on to the reel!!!!!! I will use your photo paper tip tonight...can't wait to try and take the "stress" out of loading 120 film. Thanks!!!!!

[@Drobium77]

just been exactly the same as you, around 40 minutes of faffing, but I loaded it with some major creases and it's come out with weird artifacts all over the place. But! at least now i have a film to practice loading with, I must admit i really sucked at this. 35mm i can do with my eyes shut (irony) I've done hundreds, but this is the first 120 I've 'attempted.....how are you getting on with yours now? 🙂

[@tgchism]

Used the paper in the reel today for my first two rolls of 120 film! Worked nicely, thanks!

[@thearchitecturalphotograph2973]

Glad to hear!

[@joedonohoe22]

I just managed to successfully develop my first roll of 120. I must have watched your video about 10 times before doing so, just to make sure I had the basics down. Using the photographic paper as a guide made all the difference to the process. No stress, tantrums or ruined rolls. Thank you so much!

[@thearchitecturalphotograph2973]

Oh wow, congratulations! Yeah, I didn’t want anyone else to share the despair I had at my first attempt, so I’m glad it helped :)

[@matteovrizzi]

I would like to add to your excellent video, it's important there is no moisture at all on the reel. I give it a quick blast with the mrs' hair dryer just before i start. If you spend too long with the changing bag, the humidity builds up and make your job even harder. If you're having trouble, take a break (seal the film in the tank as shown) and start again with a dry reel.

[@thearchitecturalphotograph2973]

Very true!

[@doctorstrobe]

The cardboard trick is awesome, thanks

[@westernwred]

thanks

[@graemelever-naylor6721]

Thanks so much for the tutorial - developed my first reel of 120 today and your trick with the card worked a treat.

[@lemon58421]

I wouldn't have believed it but I just did it right now after I saw your video your way! Tooooo easy! with the guide paper! :-) 1-2 minutes and all done! REALY EASY!! THANKS! no stress anymore to developpe the 120! :-)

[@thearchitecturalphotograph2973]

I’m delighted it seems to be helping people out!

[@JohnBlackwell_FRAS]

Fabulous: thank you for this guide. It really made it simple, easy, less traumatic. That end-part, when the paper and film are connected was the last challenge for me. Seeing you bring your two hands together to allow the film to wind onto itself... that is key. Cheers!

[@curiosity2314]

Excellent demo and yeah the guide paper is a great idea!

[@jordenconrad8827]

I've just developed my first roll of 120. I definitely underestimated how finicky it can be. In the end, I did get my film loaded, just with a few kinks. I think it's good to accept the first attempt as being and experiment and learn from it.

[@thearchitecturalphotograph2973]

Well done. Persevere, as nothing beats the satisfaction of producing a beautiful print.

[@neilmartin8143]

Tried other methods with no success. Found yours - brilliant. Definitely the best to go. Thanks. Ps. I also loaded the backing paper before I tried your way!

[@thearchitecturalphotograph2973]

Bravo! Yh the backing paper thing made me cry…

[@mrca2004]

If you fold the end of the paper under it creates a lip that is easy to find in the dark/changing bag. I take a paring knife and half slice the tape and pull it out making it a breeze to find in the bag. Also, I don't lick the tape, I just wet a finger and wet the end of the tape. Also, my reel has a pair of pads about 1 inch square easy to find in the bag. Those little ears have turned the air blue with my swearing.

[@johnm1463]

very nice

[@alphascorpii185]

I have a changing bag, I put a cardboard box in it and it's almost a changing tent ... But, really, to load this 120 on these reel is awful. When you have a Hasselblad and the film is in the back for a while, it bends the other way and is impossible to load like that, you need to begin with the other end of the film.

[@letmebereal]

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