Loading 120 film into spiral...

[Azzi]

Hi folks,
I`m feeling my way through some basic film processing, so far with quite pleasing results. The biggest problem I have is loading the film (120 med format) into the spiral - last night it took nearly an hour(!), I got in a right mess, the adhesive paper backing stuck to the film, the film itself became tangled and creased, and locating the edges into the spiral induced much bad language. I use a changing bag for this procedure.
Does anyone have any tips for loading the film into the spiral??
Thanks for any advice...
Chris

[Benchista]

What kind of spirals are you using?

[Fen]

I always used to snip the corners on the end of the film to give a more curved edge.

Made it a little easier to get the film onto the spiral, but I think it's just down to practice really

[Fen]

Oh... even though the film was in a changing bag, I found it easier if my eyes were closed!

[Azzi]

Gosh, I`v only just posted and get an instant reply.. thanks.
I`m using Patterson spirals - I think they are "universal" as they can be adjusted for 120 and 35mm.
Chris

[Benchista]

OK, then the first thing to do is to make sure that the reels are ABSOLUTELY dry.
It's worth practising with the reels until you really know by feel which bit is which, too.
Like Fen, I snip the sharp points off the corners of the film - stops it snagging.
Then I apply a very slight curve across the film when inserting it into the reel, and pull it as far as possible onto the reel before winding it with the customary back/forth motion - which has to be done fairly carefully with 120. Keeping the backing paper away isn't always easy - you have to find a method that works for you, but really, it's a case of being aware. And also like Fen, I find it easier with my eyes shut!

[Fen]

And also like Fen, I find it easier with my eyes shut!

Like cycling off-road downhill in a forest!

[Azzi]

Thanks Fen,
So snipping off the corners helps....I`ll try it.
Well last night my eyes were closed as well, in fact my whole face was contorted with pain and covered in sweat as I cried out for help...
Chris

[Benchista]

And also like Fen, I find it easier with my eyes shut!

Like cycling off-road downhill in a forest!

Nope, I like to know when to jump off then!

[Azzi]

Nick, thanks,
Seems like I just need to persevere. It`s annoying but I`ve developed 4 rolls as a practice - the results were great. So last night I had to develop a film (SFX200) taken for an SPI course I`m doing, typically it went wrong, the images all came out as I hoped but most are damaged and not useable.
Thanks again,
Chris

[NorthernMonkey]

I'll second the absolutely dry comment. They have to be really really really dry. Leaving on a radiator, or using a hair dryer can help this.

I remove the paper completely, put it to the side, then loads the film. (all in a changing bag).

[frank1]

In my day when using identical film I'd wind the first on and leaving the sticky tape attached the second film, all in the changing bag. I have to say though I have had my sticky moments and its a pain. Practice makes perfect goodluck

[Azzi]

AHH! - I think I have been stupid - do you encourage the film onto the spiral so it goes well beyond the little ball bearing grips before starting the winding??
I have been stopping as soon as I reach the grips, I then find it becomes loose as soon as I attempt to wind it on.
Chris

[Benchista]

Pull it on as far as you possibly can - it's much easier that way.

[ermintrude]

You dont have any form of room with no windows you could seal yourself into to do it do you? The wetness is a major problem and I always found with a changing bag the longer you spend in there the sweatier your hands get and the worse it gets. You could try using film gloves, it may or may not help, ie the film will get less damp but you wont be able to feel it as easily...

[Azzi]

Thanks again Nick - that will help a lot!
Ermintrude - yes I created my own arm length Sauna last night, it was a complete shambles! I have a tiny cloak room - less than a meter square, its definitely worth considering. This photography “thing” can become pretty solitary……every ones help here has been great.
I`ll check in again tomorrow.
Chris

[Malcolm_Stewart]

Well, you're not alone finding trouble when loading 120 film into a modern spiral. I've developed hundreds of 35mm films over the years with few problems during the loading phase, and I know and practise all the procedures advised above.

I started with 120 in the 1950s (without the benefit of Paterson's steel balls or other gizmos) and had few problems then, so what's changed? I think it's the move to allow spirals to take the longer 220 film or two 120 films, one after the other. This has lessened the gap between the grooves in the spiral, and I think it's this which has made loading 120 films more difficult today than way back when.

[zx9]

Just skimmed through the thread so this may have been said already.

Why not sacrifice an unexposed roll of film to practice first in day light and when you are happy with that try again in the changing bag.

[Garry McNamara]

Finally has anyone found a way to get a compact flash card through those little ball bearings or do I have to use a stainless steel spiral and one of those windy thingumies?

[beejaybee]

Finally has anyone found a way to get a compact flash card through those little ball bearings or do I have to use a stainless steel spiral and one of those windy thingumies?

Try a sledgehammer