King Concept rocks!

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I just got my Hewes SS reels in today. First impression... same as the Kindermann reels; pricewise and construction wise. But wait... there are two notches in the center to grab the perforations so centering of the film is automatic (unlike with the Kindermann reels where you only have 1 notch). Tried it in the dark several times with an exposed film and didn't have a problem at all. The presence of that second notch makes all the difference IMVHO (unless your going to use the Kindermann loader which I don't have)

Hewes reels are the easiest to use manual load SS reels that I have come across in a long time. If your thinking about SS tanks and reels I suggest you give these a gander. You may be pleasantly suprised.

Regards,

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 22, 2002

Answers

John, I couldn't agree with you more. I have been using these for about eight years now and they wear like iron. I don't know why someone didn't think of a system like that before. Every person who is struggling with with those godawful plastic reels that gum up or is using metal reels with those terrible springs should give the Hewes reels a try, they are truly one of the few things in photography that are worth their high

-- Dayton P. Strickland (daytonst@bellsouth.net), February 22, 2002.

Where did you buy the Hewes reels? Thanks Scott

-- Scott Evans (scottevans@attbi.com), February 23, 2002.

I believe B&H Photo is the sole distributer of the King Concept line (actually, I believe Omega manufactures these reels to Hewes specifications). That's where I bought them. Alternatively, you may also want to check this guy out:

http://www.photomall.com/process.htm

He sometimes stocks NOS Hewes reels for 120 and 35 at an attractive price (~15 dollars).

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 23, 2002.


It seems silly to develop (if you'll pardon the pun) religious fervor over something like reels. But these reels are perfect. Try them and you'll never go back. At 20 bucks a pop, they ain't cheap, but they do wear like iron, as Dayton says. The wires are thicker in diameter which gives them more rigidity (and longevity), and those tabs mean that I can load a roll of film in about 15 seconds. Never had a load failure.

-- drew (swordfisher@hotmail.com), February 23, 2002.

John:

That is apostasy for one who's shunless destiny is to preach the evils of the "all" automatic camera. ;o)))

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), February 23, 2002.



The resone I asked about the Hewes reels is that I was just starting to look for new reels after my "cheaper" mexico produced reels purchased 10yrs at photo school are finally toasted. I found that over the years as long as you dont drop a steel reel they last. These Hewes reels seem to be well regarded on some of the treads on this web site.

-- Scott Evans (scottevans@attbi.com), February 24, 2002.

Art. I don't remember reading anything in the Dogme 95 manifesto about not being able to load film onto anything but the old style metal reels with the center clips.

But maybe I'm speaking too soon and Mr. Wang will mindfully amend this oversight.

Uh Oh!!! Looks like I'm in violation of Dogme 95 again!!!!

;-)

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 24, 2002.


John:

Everyone knows that you "must" suffer for your art. ;o))

"unless your going to use the Kindermann loader which I don't have"

I do; they are traditional and still let you suffer for your art.

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), February 24, 2002.


Please note that the server did that with the script and not me. I don't know if I can fix it.

I will try.

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), February 24, 2002.


You can also get Hewes reels at Calumet. They are a lot cheaper there than at B&H as well.

-- Pete Su (psu_13@yahoo.com), February 24, 2002.


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