The SECRET to loading film on a developing spool

[@ceritat]

I started following your channel recently. You are such a good teacher! No one has ever mentioned or shown this method of spooling on that I know of. I haven't tried to develop my own film as yet as I find the process intimidating but after watching you spool on in this manner, II feel inspired. Thank you!

[@jsollowsphotography]

Thank you for the encouragement Cerita! If you ever have questions or if I can help in any way, please contact me. Here are all my contact methods. linktr.ee/jsollows

[@mrca2004]

Best thing I did was stop using those spools with small ears with one that has half inch square landing area and guide. I just did this on a small eared spool and had it started and when I tried loading it on that spool in the changing bag it came out of the tracks. Struggled to get it on reel in the dark and it did it again. I put the roll in the tank, inserted tube and funnel and lid, put the large landing area spool in the bag and easily got it started and that same roll that jammed twice on the Paterson reel just went on as smooth as silk on the large tab one. On 120 film you can place a 3" section of old film pre loaded as a guide, great if it doesn't get out of the track but useless if you want to load 2 rolls at once since the reels are designed to take 1 220 that is twice as long as 120. The large tabs make it a breeze.

[@jsollowsphotography]

I’ve been using them for 48 years very successfully

[@brentbrown51]

Absolutely works! I don't understand why so many are teaching the Where's Waldo method in the dark (bag).

[@jsollowsphotography]

Right!! 😂😂

[@K7.2023]

thanks man! first really helpful video i found over this topic!

[@jsollowsphotography]

You are very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@KentuckyDarkroom]

Excellent! I'll have to start using that technique and Teaching it!

[@jsollowsphotography]

Thanks for watching!

[@Brokeninc]

How do you fit a 36 exposure roll on one of those spolls and not have the film touching?

[@jsollowsphotography]

It’s designed for 36 exposures in the spool. You only put one roll of film in a spool.

[@Brokeninc]

@@jsollowsphotography Then I'm spooling wrong. I'll have to practice more. I seem to always have about 3 to 4 inches extra when i shoot 36 exposure 35mm film. Medium format I have no issues.

[@jsollowsphotography]

@Brokeninc Something is wrong there. You should have more than enough room. I’ve actually put a 42 exposure roll and still had room.

[@Brokeninc]

@@jsollowsphotography o wow 42! yeah i just need to practice more then it seems. i use to shoot mostly medium format and 4x5, but Im getting back into shooting after years away and i'm shooting 35mm to use up the film I have and to practice. Thank you for replying. Maybe I need to go back to the plastic reels. I had a teacher that hated them and forced us to use the steel reels. But I never had issues with the plastic ones .

[@carlofantozzi7404]

Thank you sooooo much. So grateful

[@jsollowsphotography]

You are quite welcome. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@DadeCountyRejects]

Thanks so much

[@jsollowsphotography]

You're welcome!

[@chriscorey5164]

Can this be done with 120 film also? Without exposing the entire roll?

[@jsollowsphotography]

Unfortunately not because the film is not secured in a light tight container. Trying this with 120 would expose the entire roll. There is a way to make it a bit easier. I will try to get a short video posted this week demonstrating the easier method to load 120z

[@chriscorey5164]

That would be great. Thank you so much. Take care

[@charlesfensky2105]

Thx, it worked well for me

[@jsollowsphotography]

That’s excellent Charles!

[@camerafusion]

It took me two years to learn this trick 😂

[@jsollowsphotography]

I’m amazed how many people struggle and don’t know this simple trick.

[@raygeary1698]

Do it dark bag ypu soon get the nack

[@jsollowsphotography]

Ok but that won’t help getting the film onto the spool which is the purpose of this video