CHERYL P : I have an AP Compact Muliformat self-feed reel. Will it fit in this tank?MICHAEL W : I don't have an AP Compact rell, but the Andorama 35mm tank has an inside diameter of 3 3/8 inches and the depth is 2 inches. I hope this helps.ALEXANDER S : The AP Compact Muliformat self-feed reel will not fit the Adorama Stainless tank. The AP reel will fit in the Paterson Super System 4 tanks such as the Paterson Universal Tank. The Hewes stainless steel reel works well with the Adorama stainless tank.ANDREW R : Unfortunately no, plastic reels are not likely to fit in this tank. This tank will fit most stainless steel reels (35mm). For plastic reels a better fit may be a Patterson Universal: <a href="http://www.adorama.com/PATU.html" target="_blank">http://www.adorama.com/PATU.html</a>
TOM & MARY C : will this tank accept the plastic film reels?Stephen A : I recommend the Hewes Stainless Steel reel; it's very simple once you get the hang of it, and incredibly durable.
https://<a href="http://www.adorama.com/dkr35hd.html?gclid=CIvQ7_nW4NECFRy5wAodS2UFxQ" target="_blank">www.adorama.com/dkr35hd.html?gclid=CIvQ7_nW4NECFRy5wAodS2UFxQ</a>MEREDITH G : Nope...just the stainless steel ones. [I have both types of reels, so I have first-hand knowledge of this...]Noel Del P : Mmm, I really don't know.JOSH K : Yes long as they are the standard size they should fitROBERT D : If the plastic film reels are the same size as the steel ones, yes. It's hard to say exactly, since plastic reels vary slightly in size.JASON B : Nope. Your basic stainless steel reel only.EDWIN L : Not sure, but I think most plastic reels use slightly larger tanks. I'm using the Hewes reels in mine and they fit perfectly and the standard 240ml covers them.EGON S : Don't know.ANT O : No it won't fit.
This thank is too smal for the plastic reels.
BRETT L : from what I understand, plastic tanks are better designed to work with plastic reels, so my advice would be to go with a stainless steel reel if you have your heart set on this tankREZA V : The tank is cute and seems like a good idea but IT DOES NOT take the plastic reels. You have to buy their own reel which is smaller. so I don't recommend getting it. Mine is still sitting in the box ..
Hope it is helpful..
Shopper : How can I get instructions in how to to use this tank, roll the film on it. Thanks
Bought one already and have no idea what to do?KATHLEEN B : Assuming you'll be using 35mm film and that you have access to a fully functioning dark room/bag, you'll need to purchase a single 35mm reel as well. You wind the film into the reel in a DARK room and follow the directions for the chemicals you're using to determine how much time to expose the film to each chemical.
Assuming you don't have experience, I would suggest you try finding somewhere locally that offers classes in black and white photography before attempting to develop film yourself. The chemicals can be hazardous and have to be stored/disposed of correctly, and if you develop film wrong you can lose the entire roll.ROBERT D : There are several websites with this information.
1) Start with Googling: "loading stainless steel film tank"
2) Also several YouTube entries. Search on YouTube for "loading stainless steel film tanks"; "using stainless steel film tanks" also works.
It will help if you have an old expired 35mm cartridge of film to practice with in the light.
RGDKERRY B : This is a little harder to describe than to show someone. You will probably have to learn how to feed film onto the reel using some old film before you can do the whole thing in darkness. Here's a video: www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=z5OcVc8b2Ec the video does not show you how to get the film out of the canister, which is done using a bottle opener. Also the end of film that you start with usually has to be cut square with a scissors before you can get is it started. I never actually used this particular reel (bought for my son), so I'm not sure how the film clips to the center of the reel, but there is probably something that holds the film when you first start feeding it onto the reel.
The main thing, as shown in the video, is to create a slight curve in the film as you feed it on. When you get to the end, you will need to cut the film off of the original reel that the film was on in the canister. Once the film is on the reel, put the reel into the tank, close the lid, and the rest is easy and can be done in light. Developing chemicals can be pored in and out of the tank using the small opening without any light reaching the film. I hope this helps. - KerryABRAHAM H : First, if you haven't bought the reel, you must buy the reel that goes with it. In this case, a 35mm reel. With the reel, you can wind up your film (IN COMPLETE DARKNESS) and then place it in the developing tank. Close the lid then you can turn on the light. Open the top cap and fill it up with whatever developer you are using and go from there.
There should be instructions online on how to develop a roll of film. Step by step process.ROBERTO S. R : Thanks for the email; I posted the question and my answer is go to youtube and search for how to load the film real. I did not get instructions when I bought my tank and reel. ThanksJASON B : If you don't have one already, you'll need a stainless steel film developing reel, that you place inside the tank. I highly recommend the Hewes Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Film Developing Reel, sold here at Adorama. For instructions on how to install the film around the reel, I recommend that you visit youtube for a video demonstration.
Also, installing film around the reel is a delicate process and I highly recommend that you first practice with an expired roll of film, or any roll that you're willing to sacrifice.MATHEW G : You will need a changing bag, a metal reel holder and your film. It is best to practice with a roll of film that you will sacrifice to learn how to do this by sense of touch:
Take your blank roll and open the canister with a can opener. Cut the leader so that it is straight. Take the freshly cut straight edge and with two fingers on a hand, slightly press toward each other so that the film slightly bows. Hook either edge of the film's sprocket to the two hooks in the center of the steel reel.
Continue pressing the film to continue bowing it and spin the reel to guide the rest of the film into the tracks. When you get to the end of the film, cut from the center spindle and guide the remainder of the film onto the reel.
Put the reel into the metal container then close shut. The top removable smaller lid is light proof and is used to add and dump chemicals for each stage of development. You won't open the main lid again until after you use fixer which will make your film inert to light exposure.
Now, practice these steps several times and use your test roll inside a changing bag as well. When you are ready to do everything by touch alone, put everything into the bag and start your first roll!
My first time took 10-15 minutes. I can now load a roll in about 2. Relax, go slow, and try not to touch the center of the film or bend/scratch. Good luck!JOSH K : I looked it up on the internet. I don't remember exactly how I phrased it but I used google. There's a piety god amount of info. ELIZABETH S : Search YouTube for rolling film on to an old reel. With practice, it's not hard at all. May also be good to practice with throwaway film with the light on first.NATALIE P : The tank does not come with a reel to load the film onto, you will have to buy that separately (make sure you buy the correct size!). As for directions there are several youtube videos you can watch that will show you how to load the film onto the reel.
