Feeding Problems - Paterson Film Developing Reels

After only a few years of regular use my Paterson film reels have started to give me trouble. They bind up when loading film. The film will not advance into the reel. After some jiggling and fussing I can usually get things loosened up, but I have wrinkled some film while fooling around, so I want to fix this problem if I can. The problem is the little ball bearings that act as a clamp/release mechanism in the reel and allow the film to advance only inwards into the reel. My bearings have become sticky and no longer release properly. I have soaked the reels overnight in water, I have washed them in mild dish detergent and scrubbed the bearings and their tracks with a soft brush, but the problem persists. Any suggestions?

[ Previous | Next ]