Paterson reel

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Yashica FX3

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Hi all, I am new to the forum and new to developing my own film.
I have been using a Paterson tank in a change bag, loading film on to the spool.
I get the film on to the spool to start with, no problem but once three quarters of the film is on, it jams. This has happened a few times and sadly ruined some of my film.
Is this a known problem (difficulty with film jamming) or is it likely just my inexperience?
Cheers.
 
Indeed it can be a bit fiddly , try cutting the corners of the film it helps guide it into the slots also the reel must be completely dry .

Rob.
 
What Rob said. Make sure the reel is scrupulously dry, especially around the ball-bearings, which can sometimes trap moisture under them, and cut the corners. I always cut the leader and corners in daylight to avoid the sprocket holes, though you will probably need a leader retriever if you wound the film all the way back into the cassette.
 
There is a whole lot of info on processing in the Film & Conventional section, have a look there.
 
yeah you need to prep/ cut the ends to avoid snagging cut sections of the sprockets on the reel.
I seem to remember someone told me to get a “dead” film and just try practising with that over and over in daylight first and then in the bag.
 
Years ago I used to apply spray polish to reels, no problems, no snagging
 
Hi all. Thanks for the comments. I dilligently cut off the lead end of the film and trim the corners, avoiding sprocket holes to ensure a clean leading edge ( I must have watched 200 how to videos). The reel is bone dry when I load it.
It isn't the initial loading that is the problem....I get 3/4 of the film on and then it seems to jam under its own weight/load and then does not want to advance further.
I should add that they are second hand reels, so maybe a build up of chemicals could be a contributing factor??
I have not tried applying Polish.....yet.
 
Yashica FX3 said:
Hi all. Thanks for the comments. I dilligently cut off the lead end of the film and trim the corners, avoiding sprocket holes to ensure a clean leading edge ( I must have watched 200 how to videos). The reel is bone dry when I load it.
It isn't the initial loading that is the problem....I get 3/4 of the film on and then it seems to jam under its own weight/load and then does not want to advance further.
I should add that they are second hand reels, so maybe a build up of chemicals could be a contributing factor??
I have not tried applying Polish.....yet.
Click to expand...
That doesn't happen... I've used old reels that were so yellowed they looked like prehistoric ivory. Still worked just fine.

If you've checked they're assembled correctly and are dry, they should work. Does it happen on all the spirals?
 
Thinking back over 50 years ago ,the best suggestion so far a dead practise film .. you really need to be able to load it without thinking about it .. if I remember correctly there always did come a point where it started to get harder but you have to apply more pressure
 
Arkady001 said:
That doesn't happen... I've used old reels that were so yellowed they looked like prehistoric ivory. Still worked just fine.

If you've checked they're assembled correctly and are dry, they should work. Does it happen on all the spirals?
Click to expand...

It happens more noticeably on one reel than the other, I reverted to using the one that it is not as bad.
 
I have found that a film that is fairly flat at the start has a better chance of loading onto the reel without problems.
Some films end up with a pronounced curve at the leader end which causes more resistance.
If your film has this, try to flatten it out.
 
the black fox said:
Thinking back over 50 years ago ,the best suggestion so far a dead practise film .. you really need to be able to load it without thinking about it .. if I remember correctly there always did come a point where it started to get harder but you have to apply more pressure
Click to expand...
Interestingly, when I used a practise film in daylight, the same thing happened, about 3/4 of the film went on and then did not want to advance further. As I applied .ore pressure, the film creased between the ball-bearing and the leading edge of the reel.
I guess this answers my question though....rather than it being a common problem with the reel, it is more likely an issue of my inexperience.
Thanks all.
 
Yashica FX3 said:
I guess this answers my question though....rather than it being a common problem with the reel, it is more likely an issue of my inexperience.
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Actually, from what you have described, I am not sure it is you.
Just had a quick google and there are quite a few people with various levels of experience who have problems - for no apparent reason.

I see one spiral is better than the other?

Can you afford to get another secondhand tank spirals to try out? Maybe a Jobo - about 30 quid used on ebay

www.ebay.co.uk

Jobo 2236 Universal Developing Tank, with 2 Film Spirals. For 120 and 35mm EXC | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Jobo 2236 Universal Developing Tank, with 2 Film Spirals. For 120 and 35mm EXC at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!
www.ebay.co.uk

I haven’t used a tank in ages - got hold of an ancient agfa rodinax 35 daylight loading tank ( had a 120 also but sold it ). Great for b+w and maybe for the 25C Rollei C41 system but haven’t tried it for that.
 
Greywell, yes I will look into alternatives and will probably get another Paterson reel and persever with practice.....I will find what works best for me no doubt.
Thanks for sharing that link.
 
Not sure as I’m writing this from a 50 yrs ago memory , but is there a little ball bearing in the reel it might be clogged with dirt ?
 
the black fox said:
Not sure as I’m writing this from a 50 yrs ago memory , but is there a little ball bearing in the reel it might be clogged with dirt ?
Click to expand...
Yes there are two little ball-bearing. I may give the reels a bit of a clean and see if it makes any difference. Thanks
 
Patterson reels will pull apart. I would separate the two halves, leave them to soak in clean water for an hour or more and then scrub the grooves with a toothbrush. Rinse well and leave to air-dry for at least 24 hours. Scrupulously clean reels will work better than pretty clean reels.

Not suggesting this for every use, just for obtaining secondhand reels.
 
There’s enough people saying trim the corners that it must work but I much prefer a straight end to the film. I find it easier to start and easier to keep going as the film is supported right to the end.

Are you loading in a bag or darkroom? I always load in a darkroom so have plenty space to let the film hang down which ensures it’s straight.
 
Mr Warner said:
There’s enough people saying trim the corners that it must work but I much prefer a straight end to the film. I find it easier to start and easier to keep going as the film is supported right to the end.

Are you loading in a bag or darkroom? I always load in a darkroom so have plenty space to let the film hang down which ensures it’s straight.
Click to expand...
I only have use of a bag sadly. Next time I develop, I may leave the ends uncut to compare.
 
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