Loading Patterson Film Reels

Loading film for  processing using the plastic Patterson tanks and reels is a pretty easy process but it does take practicing a few times before working on your good film. Loading film for 35 millimeter and 120 black and white film needs to be done in complete darkness because any light will effect panchromatic film like our black and white and color film.  I would really recommend that you have some scrap film and practice a few times in the light if you’ve never loaded film before. This is the time to practice  before using real thing. Let’s go through the things you’re going to need.

Along with the film reels you will need to have the tank, the post for the light tight fit, the rubber cap, and the top. For loading the film onto the reel we need a pair of scissors and a bottle opener to help pry open the canister. Since we’re going to be working in the dark we’re going to lay everything out so we know exactly where it is.

Next, take the bottle opener and just use it like you would for opening a glass drink bottle to pry off the canister end cap. The film will slip out on its spool. I usually leave the film on the spool until the very end of loading. Normally there is about two or three inches before the first exposed frame. Cut off the tapered leader at the very first of the film. As you are working with the roll you will want to handle just the edges of the film and not the center where the images will be.

On the reel you’ll notice that there are two larger notches extending toward the center that are the guides for the starting point for the film. I take my two fingers and put right on top of the notches and then place the leading edge of the film underneath.  If the film doesn’t go past the little ball bearings that are built into the reel to help advance the film, then I will stop and pull the film a little bit further to get it past those  bearings so I can continue on. I will  place my thumbs on top of those notches and ratchet the film onto the reel. Curly film may make it a little bit more difficult, and that’s the reason my thumbs are on top to keep the film from popping out from these guides. If they get out and pull from the bearings you might as well start over. I continue on until the end of the film is on the reel. Either tear off the spool where the film is attached, or use the scissors to cut it off.

When the film is on the reel push it to the bottom of the post. If you have two rolls of film push the second one on the post as well. The reels and post go into the tank and the light tight lid is screwed back on before turning on the lights.  120 film is a little bit different because the larger size makes it a bit harder to hold and get onto the reel, especially if the film is curly. We’ll take a look at that in another episode for 120 film  loading.

I’ll have another blog about 4×5 film processing and some of the different kinds of techniques so stay tuned. Please check out my Youtube channel for more.