I am using a Canon Elan II for about 60 rolls TXY/TMY every several months. I do my own prints but would prefer to develop the film to save money. My right hand is meshed up and I have lots of trouble loading film on the developer reels. Have tried several type metal reels and plastics are not available here. Any suggestions?

-- Brian Loy (blots@lvnworth.com), November 01, 1999

Answers

I've had good luck with Patterson's plastic reels. The photo books I've read say that plastic reels are easier to load than metal ones. So I guess you'll have to try mail order if the local shops don't carry plastic reels. Good luck.

-- Dave (af202@acorn.net), November 01, 1999.

Kindermann ( a german company ) is selling metal reels with a plastic center, in which a "tool" is mounted: an axle to fit into center, a grip sideways to hold it and a filmguide, actually much cheaper and easier than my words ($10). Thanks to the tool loading is very easy, hold the grip and spin the reel. So if you attach the grip to the wall, it should be possible to spin the reel with your left hand.

I find this system easier than e.g. Nikkor reels without center. But might be hard to find in the USA and not cheap, as I pay $ 20 per reel.

-- Wolfram Kollig (kollig@ipfdd.de), November 02, 1999.

Kodak made (makes?) a tool that attaches to the metal reels which aids in the feeding of the film onto the reel. Maybe that would help...

--andy

-- Andy Hughes (andy@darkroomsource.com), November 03, 1999.