Digital BW, The Print

Alex,
Yeah, try stainless. All of this dialog  is a bit humorous if you step back and look at it. It is kind of like people discussing the best way to ride a bike and what bike is best, etc. Believe me, this is not brain surgery. Just about anyone can do this. However regarding plastic.  Just because plastic reels work well for 35mm, does not mean that they are best for 120. The width and thickness of the film combined with the strong curl and thin plastic edges of he reel make it very difficult to push it on from the outside. Stainless is easy once  you get the knack.
      By the way. This is how I load them. Separate the film from the paper backing and remove the tape at the end. Hold the rolled up film in the palm of your  right hand and grasp the edges of the end with your thumb and first finger. Hold the reel in your left hand but first find the prongs on the outside and make sure that they are to the right. (I do this before truning off the lights) Now reach around und
er the reel while holding it with your hand that you are palming the film with  ( Sounds complicated but isn't) and push the clip down and insert the end of the film into it. With your right hand unroll the film while your first finger and thumb stay on the outside edges of the reel. (This is important as they act as guides to line up the film correctly. Your left hand turns the reel counter clockwise and the first finger of your  left hand should push down on the back side of the film gently to hold it in place. This while it it unrolling in your right palm.  If the film pulls to one side or the other, it means that you jumped track and you must unwind a little to get back on track. When you get to the end, make sure that the film end is in the track. That's it!   Sounds complicated when described, but it is intuitive after you do it a few times. THE MAIN TRICK IS TO KEEP YOUR FINGERS ON THE REEL EDGES. It can't be done consistently if you don't.

good luck,
Russ Martin


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