Development film again after a 20-yr hiatus

[Waterman100]

I learned B/W photography back in high school in the late 80's. Time flies and it's been 20+ years. For the past year I've been shooting film; but so far, I've been sending the films out for processing.

I'd like to start developing my own films again (first B/W and then maybe C-41 later??), and I have a few very fundamental questions: Back in my student days, film canisters I used were tin / metal cans that had 1 or 1.5 inch diameter openings. Reels were also metal.

Today we have plastic canisters sporting much larger openings (like the JOBO brand) and plastic reels. Do the two types make any difference?

Also - I'm gonna buy my own development kit. Please PM me if you have an used set to sell.

[t.s.k.]

The plastic kits are supposedly easier to load when dry. Many people love them...I'm not one of them.

Loading SS reels is like riding a bike. Once you learn, you never forget no matter how long the hiatus. Don't skimp on quality either.

On the other hand, if it was challenging back then, you'll still have difficulties now.
In this case plastic is your friend. I'm sure people will chime in on their plastic preference and why.

When you're ready, place a WTB here or on APUG. I'm sure you'll get many responses.

Have fun!

[degruyl]

Note, the top of the stainless tanks are now plastic. That makes them quieter and seal better.

I'm another one who likes stainless.

[goodtimes]

Go for the SS reels. I used plastic reels in the past and got a lot of problems loading.
Since the day I used SS reels I never missed a film and I can even do it with my eyes closed

[Waterman100]

Thanks for the quick responses. I used SS reels and had no problem. So I think I'd stick to that.

As for tanks, I dont suppose there is much of a difference whether I get the traditional SS tank w/ plastic lids, or the new types (JOBO or Paterson) right?

[Roger Hicks]

Originally Posted by degruyl

Note, the top of the stainless tanks are now plastic. That makes them quieter and seal better.

I'm another one who likes stainless.

Dear David,

Not exactly new. As far as I recall, I bought my two Kindermann twin-reel tanks around 40 years ago, second hand, and they're plastic top. Still using 'em!

I second your advice to go for stainless reels and tanks, though.

Stainless tanks develop films in smaller volumes of chemicals (emphasis added); leak less; and transfer heat better in a water bath, too.

Cheers,

R.

[daninjc]

I use SS and love them. In case, make sure you don't get cheap SS reels - in my experience they are a nightmare to load. I never managed to load one a single time. Then I got Hewes reels, they are more expensive, but they work flawlessly and I never had any problem afterwards.

Originally Posted by Waterman100

Thanks for the quick responses. I used SS reels and had no problem. So I think I'd stick to that.

As for tanks, I dont suppose there is much of a difference whether I get the traditional SS tank w/ plastic lids, or the new types (JOBO or Paterson) right?

[robklurfield]

I did the same thing about a year ago. Looking back, I wish I hadn't waited so long. Enjoy!

[presspass]

I'm the odd man out here - I've used Jobo plastic reels for 20+ years and never had a problem. That said, if you prefer stainless, go with it. I don't think they will work with Jobo or Patterson tanks, however. Both require a central spindle that holds plastic reels. Without the spindle, the tanks will not be light-tight.

[Chris101]

Some people swear by the plastic reels, and some by stainless reels. Try them both a few times, as each takes some practice. You can't mix the reels with the cans.

[Roger Hicks]

To be honest, I'm not all that fussed: I use both. Mostly stainless for 35mm, plastic for 120, 127 asnd 16mm (!) But for one- or two-reel tanks, stainless are more economical with chemicals.

Cheers,

R.