Chloe Zhang
Loading a plastic reel is a process that requires careful attention to detail to avoid damaging the film. The process involves removing the film from its canister, cutting the film leader, and inserting the film into the reel. It is important to ensure that the reel is dry and free of fingerprints or dust, as these can cause issues during the loading process. Additionally, the natural curl of the film should be considered to avoid film jams and creases. Proper loading of a plastic reel is essential, especially for 35mm film, as it can impact the quality of the photographs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic reel type | Paterson reel, stainless steel reel |
| Film type | 35mm film |
| Film removal from the canister | Remove film from the canister, cut off the film leader |
| Film insertion into the reel | Insert the leader end first, slip the film over the little finger to keep it secure |
| Film cutting | Cut the film as close to the canister as possible, snip the film off the canister spool before finishing |
| Tools | Clean scissors, line removal tools (e.g. Rapala Compact Line Remover), standard drill, line winding systems |
| Techniques to avoid | Using wet reels, touching the emulsion side of the film, using non-lint-free gloves |
| Techniques to use | Load film in daylight or a dark room with lights off, use dry reels, practice with cheap film |
| Line type | Monofilament line, fluorocarbon line |
| Line considerations | Avoid line twist, ensure line comes off the spool in a counterclockwise motion, apply light pressure to the line while loading |
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What You'll Learn
How to load 35mm film onto a plastic reel
Loading 35mm film onto a plastic reel can be a tricky process, but with practice, it becomes much easier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to load 35mm film onto a plastic reel:
First, gather your materials: scissors, a can opener, a film development tank, your roll of 35mm film, and the plastic reel. It is important to ensure that your reel is completely dry before beginning. Then, in complete darkness, use the can opener to open the 35mm film cassette and remove the film. Cut the leader of the film with scissors so that the film has a straight edge, being careful not to cut into the sprockets.
Some people recommend clipping the corners of the film leader to create a ">" shape, as this can make it easier to load the film onto the reel and prevent the edges from getting caught. You can then attach the end sprockets of the film to the hooks or clips on the reel, ensuring the film is straight. Hold the film by the ends to avoid scratching it with your fingers and bend it slightly.
Begin turning the reel with your other hand, and the film will catch on and reel around. Once the film is fully wound on, cut off the end and ensure all the film is securely attached to the reel. This method can be practised in the light with junk film to get a feel for the process.
An alternative method is to first cut the film off the canister spool and then load it from that end instead of the leader end. This takes advantage of the natural curl of the film, aligning it better with the spirals of the development reel. Reverse the direction of the roll so that the end of the film is on the outside, then clip it off the spool. This method creates a tighter circle and makes it easier to manage the film while transferring it onto the reel.
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Tips for loading a plastic Paterson reel
Loading film onto a plastic Paterson reel can be a tricky process, but with some practice and these tips, you can do it without ruining your film. Here are some tips for loading a plastic Paterson reel:
- Make sure the reels are completely dry. Using wet reels is the usual cause of reels ruining film. Dry them off with a paper towel or a blow dryer when using them for a second developing cycle.
- Use a medium to large film changing bag. A small bag can be workable, but your hands may get hot, and sweat and film are not a good mix.
- In a dark room with the lights off, or in a film changing bag, cut off the film leader and slip it into the reel past the lip of the reel that sticks out the most.
- Thread the film onto the reel just past the gripping pawls before turning off the lights.
- Rather than removing all the film from the cassette at once, slowly pull out a few inches at a time and load until the cassette is close to the reel, then repeat until the entire roll is loaded.
- If you are developing only one 35mm film in the tank, put an empty reel on top so that the film does not slide up and down the column when you are inverting the tank during processing.
- Use a film spooler to adjust the spooling tension and make the process more hands-free.
- Loading film in daylight is much easier than in darkness, so it may be a good idea to practice with a cheap roll of film.
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How to spool a spinning reel
To spool a spinning reel, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, determine if your reel turns clockwise or counterclockwise. Hold the reel as you would when fishing and turn the wheel a few times to check. This is important because the line will be spooled onto the reel in the opposite direction. Next, open the bail by flipping up the handle. This step is crucial as it allows you to secure the line to the spool.
Now, you'll want to thread your line through the guide closest to the reel. This ensures the line follows the correct path. Then, secure the line to the spool with a knot. A simple overhand knot will do, or you can use an arbor knot for added security. Once the line is secure, cut any excess with line cutters.
At this point, you can close the bail and place the spool on the floor. Pinch the line about 12 inches above the reel and slowly crank the reel to start loading the line. It's important to stop every so often to check for twists. If you notice any twists, simply flip the spool over and resume cranking. Continue cranking until the line is close to the rim, then cut and secure it to the spool.
It's worth noting that different types of fishing line have different characteristics. Monofilament lines, for example, have stretch and flexibility, making them ideal for floating baits or jig fishing. Fluorocarbon lines, on the other hand, are harder for fish to see underwater, so they're a better choice for calm, shallow waters. Braided lines are thinner and take up less room on the spool, offering increased sensitivity and improved hook sets.
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Choosing the right line for a plastic reel
When it comes to choosing the right line for a plastic reel, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to match the size of the line to the size of the reel. Spinning reels are designed for lighter lines and downsized baits, so ensure the line weight is suitable for the reel's capacity. You can use a fishing reel line capacity calculator to determine how much line your reel can hold.
Secondly, consider the type of fishing line: monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braid. Monofilament is the most affordable option and is stretchy, easy to use, and versatile. However, it has slower bite detection and reduced sensitivity compared to fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon lines, on the other hand, offer greater sensitivity and invisibility in the water, making them ideal for clear water fishing. They are more expensive and can sometimes have issues with line memory, causing tangles if left on the reel for extended periods. Braided lines are known for their strength, sensitivity, and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty freshwater fishing. However, they require a backing line, such as monofilament or fluorocarbon, to prevent slippage on the spool.
Additionally, consider the fishing conditions and location. If fishing in freshwater, opt for a freshwater line, and avoid saltwater lines meant for warmer, tropical waters. The pound test of the line should also be considered, typically ranging from 6 to 12 pounds, depending on the reel size and fishing situation.
Lastly, proper spooling technique is crucial to avoid line twists and tangles. Ensure the line comes off the spool with the face pointed toward you, and apply tension to the line while spooling to prevent bunching and tangling.
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Common mistakes to avoid when loading a plastic reel
Plastic reels are notoriously tricky to load, and it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when loading a plastic reel:
- Using Wet Reels: Using a plastic reel while it's wet can lead to film jams and permanent fingerprints on the negatives. Always use dry reels or wear lint-free gloves to handle the film.
- Forcing the Film: Paterson reels, in particular, are known for film getting caught halfway through, causing black crescent-shaped marks on the frames. Forcing the film through can result in crinkling and permanent damage.
- Incorrect Cutting: When loading 35mm film, it's important to cut the film as close to the canister as possible using clean scissors. Improper cutting can make it difficult to insert the film into the reel smoothly.
- Darkness: Loading film in the dark is challenging and can lead to mistakes. Practice loading in daylight to familiarize yourself with the process, and always have a cheap roll of film handy to practice with.
- Lack of Practice: Practice makes perfect when it comes to loading plastic reels. Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes on a practice roll before loading your valuable film.
By avoiding these common mistakes and taking your time, you can successfully load a plastic reel without damaging your film.
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Frequently asked questions
Loading film in daylight is much easier than in darkness. You can use the tape that holds the film onto the backing paper to attach a second negative and pull it through the reels. However, this is easier on metal reels than plastic reels.
Cut off the film leader and insert the first piece of film into the reel until it reaches the position where it can't be released without taking apart the reel. Then, finish rolling the remaining film onto the reel.
The film can get stuck 3/4 of the way through the loading process. This can cause black crescent-shaped marks to appear on a couple of frames. The film can also get fingerprints on it, so it is recommended to use dry reels or a set of lint-free museum-grade gloves.
There are line removal tools on the market, such as the Rapala Compact Line Remover and the Berkley Line Stripper. You can also use a standard drill to remove the fishing line from a reel.
