Are development tank reels interchangeable between brands?

[Carl Hall]

Just a quick question

I’m looking to start developing my own C41 again, and will likely be using the 1L Tetenal C41 kit. I have a Paterson tank which takes 500ml for a 120 roll, and an AP tank which takes 590ml. Obviously the Paterson one is better in that I can get two batches of C41 chems from a 1L kit, however, I prefer the AP reels as the lead in lip on them is much wider and easier to get the film on compared to the Paterson reel which makes me incredibly angry when I use it. Does anyone know if I can take the AP reel and use it in a Paterson tank? Or will that somehow create problems for me?

 

[StephenM]

Never used or seen AP tanks; but post 4 here says that the AP spirals can be used in a Paterson tank. If they physically fit on the "pole" I can't see a problem.

 

[NickT]

According to this advertisement http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/ap-35mm-film-tank--reel-931-p.asp

The reels are compatible with Paterson tanks.

Edit: Well the 35mm version is, so it's a fair bet that they all are, although not a certainty.

 

[steveo_mcg]

Yeah they are, My first tank was an AP one and through ignorance I just kept using the same spiral on the Patterson tank.

 

[desf]

I use a mixture of AP and Patterson reels in my Patterson tanks, no problem.
35mm and 120.

 

[Kevin Allan]

I have used AP reels in a Patterson tank, but despite being easier to load, two of them got stuck together so I don't use them any more

 

[Carl Hall]

Never used or seen AP tanks; but post 4 here says that the AP spirals can be used in a Paterson tank. If they physically fit on the "pole" I can't see a problem.

The plastic edges where you insert the end of the film are wider (to the point that they touch when set for 35mm) so it's much easier to get the film through the gap in the dark. Here's a photo from Firstcall's site:

 

[Carl Hall]

Thank you for the help everyone, it seems I can get the best of both worlds then Should make it a lot easier than using a little more than half of the concentrates and then having to faff about the next time with not enough.

Currently designing a simple temperature controlled water bath to make C41 easier, so it's good that this bit is simpler too

 

[XA2inmypocket]

Just seen this. I also use AP reels in a Paterson System 4 tank (2 x 135 or 1 x 120). I bought an AP tank two or three years ago, didn't like it, thought it useless for inversions - but the reels were cool, and are a little easier in my opinion. I've heavily used them since, in the Paterson.