Alright, I'm now a believer...

[Xia_Ke]

... steel reels are better. Everyone always told me to get a good set of steel reels and I would never look back. I was happy with my Paterson Super System 4 but about 2 weeks ago I was having a bad day and thought I would mellow out doing some doing film. Bad call The reel jammed which made me even grumpier but, rather than putting it down, I tried forcing it and wound up getting really pissed and taking the reel out of the bag and throwing it against the wall. Needless to say, that reel is no more...LOL I know, temper, temper Looking on Ebay for new reels I stumbled across a good deal on 4 Hewes reels. Today was my first time using them and while getting the film in the clip took a second, they load MUCH smoother. And the icing on the cake is that the new tank and reel combo only needs about 375ml of chemicals instead of 500ml with the Paterson :thumbsup:

[photophorous]

I use Hewes reels. I've never tried plastic reels, but I have used some cheaper SST reels I think Hewes are worth the money. There are a few other good brands too, but I will never use no-name reels again. It isn't worth the hassle and risk.

[Xia_Ke]

I ended up having to buy my tank separately and it came with a no name 120 reel. The clip is real funky with it so, it's been cast aside. Lucked out on the Hewes, picked up 4 in mint condition for $22 shipped. Will take another roll or 2 to fully get used to using them. Still a little awkward getting the film clipped in.

[photophorous]

I ended up having to buy my tank separately and it came with a no name 120 reel. The clip is real funky with it so, it's been cast aside. Lucked out on the Hewes, picked up 4 in mint condition for $22 shipped. Will take another roll or 2 to fully get used to using them. Still a little awkward getting the film clipped in.

The 35mm reels have little hooks that grab the sproket holes. It's so easy it feels like your cheating. My tanks are all just no-name brands and they seem to work fine. You got a good deal on those reels.

[danic]

So you would recommend SS Tanks? I'm looking at plastic or SS at the moment.

[Xia_Ke]

Well, depends on what film you are shooting. My main issue was with 120 in plastic reels. They have a tendency to jam from time to time. There's a couple reasons for this: 1. the reels need to be kept CLEAN. 2. 120 film is a bit thicker and if you didn't do a slight corner clip on the loading end, sometimes the corners would dig in causing a jam. 3. plastic reels a very susceptible to moisture and it doesn't take much. Your tank and reels have to be dry and also just being sweaty can cause problems. Granted, the same issues can arise with 35mm but, I NEVER jammed a reel of 35mm, only ever have with 120. I plan to continue to use plastic for 35mm because I can load them very fast and also, they are quick and easy to unload. For 120 though, I would definitely recommend a nice set of steel reels. A lot will come down to your personal preference though. I will say this much, steel is much lower maintenance. Which ever way you choose though, definitely spend the couple extra bucks to get the good ones. IT will save you a lot of headaches down the road. The quote in my sig is VERY true...

"The hard part isn’t the decisive moment or anything like that – it’s getting the film on the reel!" - John Szarkowski