You shouldn't give up on the Paterson tank and reels so quickly.
As previously stated the reel must be completely dry for trouble free loading.
Even the humidity generated by sweaty palms too long inside the changing bag can cause problems.
When in doubt dry the inside of the changing bag and everything (except the film) that will go inside it
(even your hands if necessary) with a hair dryer before you begin.
Then relax and work as quickly as possible.
I'm not sure about earlier and later models, but my Paterson System 4 tank uses a wide white plastic O-ring.
I suspect these might have gotten lost for many in the used market.
If you have one of these tanks its use is mandatory. Without it the tank will leak like a sieve.
My Paterson tank sometimes leaks a bit on its first inversion.
When it does I remove the cap, unscrew the lid slightly, retighten and replace the cap, "burping" it slightly.
This almost invariably stops the leak.
Good luck!
Chris
Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 12-05-2010 at 10:28 AM.