How Do You Load Film Onto A Developing Reel?
Loading a roll of film onto a processing reel can be frustrating and terrifying (if you are afraid of the dark, anyway.) It takes patience, but with a little practice and by following these seven easy steps, you will be spooling film like a pro in no time! Set up a work table with your bottle opener, scissors, film, reels and processing tank in your light-tight dark room. It’s a good habit to place all your tools before you in the same place every time. This will reduce stumbling around in the dark looking for something. Turn out the lights. It is very important that this be done in COMPLETE darkness; no red lights and no “light leaks,” meaning cracks in the door where light can come in. Use the bottle opener to pop off the bottom of the film canister, and pull the film out of the canister. Make sure you only handle the film at its edges. The grease on your fingers can leave fingerprints that will show up on the developed roll. The film will be taped to the center film spool. Use your
