Is there such a thing as a stainless steel 220 reel that loads like the plastic ones (the rachet type)? On the B&H site I noticed some stainless steel reels that were signifintly more expensive than the others. They were made by King Concept? also I would like to what others are using (plastic or steel)?any info helpful josh

-- josh (devil_music@usa.net), May 30, 2000

Answers

I'm using Kindermann Stainless Steel reels. I have some that are approaching 30 years old (my newest reels are about 15 years old) and they function perfectly. I've also used the Patterson ratchet type reels.I stopped using the Patterson reels because the tank requires a lot more solution.Furthermore, I find the SS reels easier to load, especially for 120/220 film. BTW I think King Concept is an importer.

-- Robert Orofino (rorofino@iopener.net), May 30, 2000.

The best SS reels are those made by Hewes in England. They have a device that grabs teh first two sprocket holes rather than the spring clip. They are also made of heavier wire. They are more expensive, but they are really nice.

-- Terry Carraway (TCarraway@compuserve.com), May 31, 2000.

Sorry, the 35mm Hewes grab the sprocket holes, I do not know how the 120/220 reels work. But they are still nice reels.

King Concept may be the imported for Hewes reels.

-- Terry Carraway (TCarraway@compuserve.com), May 31, 2000.

I think King Concept is the importer for Hewes reels. Anyway, when you order King Concept, you get Hewes. Likewise, Adorama's "heavy duty" reels are Hewes.

The 120 version is similar to the 35mm in that once you've caught the film, it has already started loading into the spiral. The 120 reels use a larger clip than everyone else that is mounted backwards, so you're not trying to stick the film on top of your finger.

The Hewes systems work flawlessly in both sizes and have taken the drama out of film processing for me. There's no more wondering if you got the film loaded right, or if your favorite negative will be ruined. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to live with.

-- Brian Hinther (BrianH@sd314.k12.id.us), June 06, 2000.