[abruzzi]

I haven’t processed film since the 90s, and I was wondering is there is anything easier to spool up 35mm than my metal spools and developing can these days? I haven’t tried yet, but I always hated spooling those things. Do the plastic spools work better? Other options?

[smigol]

I gave up on the plastic spools and went to metal.

The plastic are fun at first, but soon get gummed up with emulsion.

Since I have started doing C41 and E6, I'm glad for switching to metal as I understand the plastic will stain.

[Alex645]

I haven’t processed film since the 90s, and I was wondering is there is anything easier to spool up 35mm than my metal spools and developing can these days? Do the plastic spools work better?

Iʻve been using plastic spools for 35mm and 120 film since 1972 and teaching film photography since 1992 and Iʻve always found plastic spools and reels easier than metal. Purists still insist that metal is superior (the theory being less chemical leaching), but for ease of loading, I havenʻt found anything as easy and reliable as plastic and have zero regrets using them.

Paterson Universal Tank with Two Reels - Super System 4 | Freestyle Photographic Supplies

Iʻve probably taught 2-3 thousand teenagers how to develop film by hand, and everyone on their first assignment successfully (more or less) gets the plastic right. I canʻt say the same with metal which takes more skill.

[pentaxus]

I used only stainless steel reels for decades and was able to load a 36 shot roll in 20 seconds. The plastic used in plastic reels in the 60's and 70's did get stained when used which generated concern. I now use Patterson plastic reels. Make sure they are dry before using them. I don't a lot of developing but they haven't stained for me so far. I no longer develop color and if I did I might have a separate set up just in case.

[twilhelm]

I develop C41 and black and white, utilizing both metal and plastic reels. I personally don’t have a preference, but can see where plastic reels are easier to load.

[officiousbystander]

I swear by the Samigon:
Samigon Multi-Format Autofeed Reel ESA325 B&H Photo Video

[abruzzi]

Sounds like I’m just going to have to suck it up and get good at it. I still have my stainless spools and canister from 25 years ago. Maybe see how it goes before trying the plastic spools. I was hoping someone had invented a better system in the intervening time.

[UncleVanya]

I preferred plastic when I was developing. I never found emulsion gunk on my reels and they never stained. I didn't do any color only B&W and mostly in the 1980's.

[ChrisPlatt]

I use A-P brand plastic tanks and reels, also sold by Freestyle as their Arista Premium line.
Paterson Super System IV are good as well, like most Paterson products.

35mm film loading on plastic reels is fairly easy, though thin-based films can be troublesome.
Confidence gained through practice and a relaxed environment (seated at table) help.
A large changing bag and very dry reels (use a hair dryer) also make things much easier.

Chris

[TomB_tx]

For 35mm - Hewes stainless. Catch the sprocket holes on a couple of "fingers" at the center of the spiral and wind away. I used Nikor reels for 40 years and thought they were fine, but the Hewes Re better for the variety of film thicknesses around today.
I gave up on plastic decades ago as too fiddly when wet and doing many rolls.

[tuco]

SS reels can be difficult at times. A couple of tips. Sacrifice a roll and practice in the daylight over and over. Cut a small 45 degree chamfer on the loading end of the film. Practice that too. If it is cold, warm up the reels with a hair dryer.

While you wrap the film on the reel, push the film back and forth after each wrap. You should feel no binding as the film tightens and expands in the windings of the reel. If it moves freely by time to get to the end, you can have confidence that the film is not touching somewhere in the wrap.

If a reel is constantly a problem loading, get rid of it and buy a new one.

[fs999]

I use Jobo unitank system 1500 in different sizes, since the late 70's with a pause in the 90's, but they are still working well...