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What Is the Best Stainless Steel Reel?


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The ones to avoid are the designs using a spike or spring-clip to hold the film. For 35mm, those reels with two prongs for the sprocket holes are definitely the easiest to load.

 

I think, IIRC, that Kindermann use sprocket-catchers on their reels, as well as Hewes.

 

With 120 reels you don't have much choice in the matter; it's spring-clips only. However, some makers insist on fitting the clip 'backwards' so that it has to be pressed through the film, and then kinks the film over the clip as it's wound - lunacy! Such reels are to be avoided like the plague.

 

Have a good look at the centre clip and imagine pushing the film into it. If the spring doesn't open automatically as the film is pushed into it, or the clip points and protrudes outward from the central pillars, then look for another make of reel. There reelly (sic) is no excuse for crappy designs that don't work easily!

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The ones to avoid are the designs using a spike or spring-clip to hold the film. For 35mm, those reels with two prongs for the sprocket holes are definitely the easiest to load.

 

When I bought my first stainless reels, I had no-name ones and I'd been advised about how iffy the clips can be and how they can cause problems.

 

Consequently, even though I now pretty much only use Hewes and Nikor reels in 35mm, 120, and 220, I still go with the way I taught myself with my first reels. I just tuck the end of the film into the center of the reel and hold it in place. Once I wind a turn or two, it will hold itself.

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My 45 year old Honeywel-Nikor reels are the best Ive ever owned. That door clamp is wonderful and so easy to use. Lay the film on the bar and shut the door... its perfect every time!

 

We had hundreds of them when I was in business, unfortunately we dumped them with the lot when I sold the business. I only have 4 and treasure them like gold. I cant seem to find them for sale anywhere. If you have any in 120... I'll buy them all.

 

I dont understand the hype with hewes, I never like those center clips, they suck. the reels aren't any better than other brands I have.

 

Just takes practice learning to use them but once you master it and use them often, you'll spool film in the dark with your eyes closed.

 

 

 

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The more you say, the less people listen.
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That's an unusual late version of the Nikor reel, made in Japan, instead of in USA. Looks very well made.

 

I love the Hewes reels for 35mm, but to do two at once you need the very rare Nikor Q18 tank. Not that genuine Nikor reels give me any problem for 35mm, but the Hewes ones are just seductively smooth.

 

Always been happy with all of the larger sizes of Nikor reels, used 127, 120, 116, and 122. As they get wider they get very fussy about starting with the film well-centered.

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Two Hewes 35 mm reels fit easily into my Kinderman tank designed for 120 or 2 35 mm reels. They also fit easily in the many Brand X stainless steel tanks at the college where I teach--our reels are great, our tanks are cheap but they work well enough.
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