Hi again,

I've used Kindermann developing tanks before and I'm impressed with their construction and design. I'm thinking of getting another 4 reel tank but NOT getting the Kindermann reels. The substitute reels would be the Hewes (King Concept) heavy-duty reels as I've heard many great things about them (that and I don't have a Kindermann 35 mm loader). Does anyone use these reels on a regular basis and are they compatible with the center column that's sold separately for the Kindermann tanks? Also, what are some of the pros and cons of the Hewes reels vs Kindermann reels from experience?

TIA.

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 13, 2002

Answers

I was lucky enough to find new, single reel, laboratory grade, 30 year old, S.S. Omega tanks several years ago ($5 apiece), which I use with Hewes reels. Old school, I don't like plastic tanks, nor do I like anything other than one reel tanks. As for Hewes, I, and many others swear by them.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.comg), February 13, 2002.

John, I don't know if the Hewes reels work with the Kindermann, but if they don't the reels are worth chucky everything and buying new tanks if you have to. I'm pretty sure though that steel reels and tanks are pretty universal. I can't say enough good things about the Hewes reels — they wear like iron, you can load them soaking wet unlike plastic, and they are a piece of cake to load especially if you leave the leader out on your film cannister after rewind. Dayton

-- Dayton P. Strickland (daytonst@bellsouth.net), February 13, 2002.

Whats wrong with the Kindermann reels? They are easy to load...at least the one I have with a spike to hold the film instesd of a clip. The Hewes are nice too though.

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), February 13, 2002.

Yes, this combo works. Just be sure to not buy the new Hewes reels that have a larger core for Jobo -- they are too large for the SS tanks.

-- Russell Brooks (russell@ebrooks.org), February 14, 2002.