Response to loading 35mm stainless reels...what's the secret??

Steve: It looks like you bought the 'normal' SS reels. There is hope. Get SS reels made by Hewes from England. Calumet has these in stock all the time, and I suspect that any major outlet will also. If you can't find the Hewes name on the box, look for 'Made in England (or UK, or EC) on the package. Jobo reels are 'Made in England,' but are usually twice the price of the original article. The special quality of Hewes reels is, for 35 mm, the core has a pair of teeth that grip the sprocket holes of the film, making loading extremely fast and easy. For 120-220, the reels have the little clamp turned 180 degrees so that you press the clamp with one hand and slide the film in with the other. I've been using these reels exclusively for the last 9-10 years. They are such a huge improvement for what seems like an obvious design that I can't imagine why the original, with the reversed clamp was every brought to market!

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