This is
an outline on how to load a film spiral ready for processing.
The only way to
learn is to practice feeding a film onto a spiral in day light. I
suggest purchasing a cheap roll of 35mm film, probably colour. It is
also a good idea to have a brand new spiral to practice with. This
should make the learning curve less steep as older spirals get
temperamental the more they have been used.
Prepare
the film: You can
use a cassette opener or film retriever for 35mm. Once you have the
leader/tongue of the film in view use a pair of scissors to cut it
square. Then snip the corner off each side, the film is now ready for
loading. |
Now lay out
everything you need on a table in daylight for a complete dummy run.
Set the developing
tank, lid, spiral with center in place and scissors out in the
same order each time to get a picture in your mind's eye, this way
you will know where everything is in the dark. Keep the film in your
hand. With your eyes closed load the film on the spiral, place it in
the developing tank, put the lid on and turn till it clicks shut.
Some tanks have a screw top so be careful not to cross thread it.
After a few practices you maybe ready to do it for real.
Note:
Make sure your hands are clean and dry. Damp or sweaty fingers can
cause problems with the loading of the film and leave marks on the
processed negatives. It is a good idea to wear soft cotton gloves for
protection.Tip: If you wash your hands in cold water before you start it closes the pores reducing the need for gloves. It is also a good idea to earth yourself on a radiator to stop charging the film with static electricity therefore attracting dust.
It is a lot
easier to do than it sounds, so don't be put off. Everyone has their
own way of doing this so if you have a tip to add please do.
This video
gives a straight forward no-nonsense look at how it is done.
