Three short requests for help!

1. Is there any one bulk film loader that is better than the others, I am looking at a LLYODS or a Alden 74.

2. When using a 35mm plastic reel, what is the easiest way to get the film out of the reel after developing it, I can't seem to get it to come out as good as it goes on! Any tips?

3. What is best to use after you have washed the negs to reduce spotting?

Your advice and suggestions have helped me greatly in the past few weeks! Hopefully you can help me again!

Thanks Jeff

-- Jeff (pctech@tir.com), March 01, 2000

Answers

1) Sorry, can't answer that one. I've heard, however, that some people prefer to avoid the kind with felt light traps.

2) All my plastic reels are the adjustable type that come apart at the hub. I just take them apart to remove the film.

3) Photo-flo or some type of wetting agent in the final rinse, NO squeegy, sponge, or anything of the sort. Just hang 'em up to dry. It helps a LOT to use distilled water throughout the process.

-- Forrest Smotherman (forrestsmotherman@hotmail.com), March 01, 2000.

1: I prefer the Alden. It uses a rotating light trap so nothing touches the film if you have it loaded correctly. I have used the Lloyd's, but after a period of use, it would build up grit in the felt light trap and scratch. Drove me nuts figuring out what was going on.

2: I use a stainless tank and reels. I hold the center of the reel between my thumb and finger and let it revolve as I pull off the film. Clean and easy and no hassle.

3: Photoflo or similar, and follow the other gentleman's suggestions regarding sponges, etc.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), March 01, 2000.

I would like to respond to the first question. I use watson loaders, 3 of them, and use Kodak snap caps. I am so tired of light leaks that I am thinking about throwing all that stuff away and buying the good old film in the box even if I have to pay more money. Never fails the best negative has the streak.

-- Harry J. Vrobel (hvrobel@penn.com), March 01, 2000.

Harry, the metal snap cap canisters are notorious for light leaks. Get some of the plastic canisters with the twist on tops and your light leak problems will be banished.

-- Fritz M. Brown (brownf@idhw.state.id.us), March 01, 2000.

Thanks I will give that a try. I like the money savings of bulk but boy have I been frustrated with the light leaks. Harry J. Vrobel

-- Harry J Vrobel (hvrobel@penn.com), March 01, 2000.

Check the 'twist tops' canisters in store before purchasing.. I have found many that the felt light trap that is not secured or aligned correctly. 'Good' ones work fine though. They are easier to seal than 'pop tops' (I'm refering to old Ilford canisters here as that's all I used for many years)

-- Nigel Smith (nlandgl@eisa.net.au), March 01, 2000.