Film Tanks & Reels

Photographers need film tanks and reels in order to process film correctly.

Film reels hold the film as it is moved to a film processing tank. These look similar to the Hollywood film reel pictures shown in movies. Film reels are sold in either plastic or stainless steel. These come in different sizes to accommodate different films. Stainless steel reels stay free from warping and corrosion while some photographers find plastic reels easier to handle.

Adorama, Kindermann, Hewes, Paterson and a few others all offer stainless steel and plastic reels for the darkroom.

To remove film, detach the bottom of the canister, or use a retriever to pull the film out. Find instructions online for how to use a retriever to remove film from the canister. A photographer does this in darkness since any light will destroy the film. Use a dry reel for this as film will stick to a wet reel and ruin the photographer's work. Slide the start of the film past the reel's ball bearings and then wind the film onto the reel without touching the main body, just the sides. This will go directly into a film tank.

Have the film tank and a pair of scissors on hand before beginning the previous step.

Films are developed in a film processing tank. These tanks come in different materials like plastic or stainless steel. Both forms include advantages and drawbacks. It is important to take good care of both types of tanks. Plastic processing tanks will chip, crack, and break if dropped too often. Stainless steel tanks are more durable. They will dent if dropped hard onto any surface.

Use stainless steel tanks when controlling the processing temperature is important. Steel tends to retain heat longer than plastic tanks. Photographers will find stainless steel tanks with lids in either plastic or steel. The tank can be wet or dry when the reel is loaded without worry of sticking. Steel tanks and reels are interchangeable, which means different brand reels and tanks will work with one another. Something plastic reels and tanks do not offer.

Plastic processing tanks cost more than stainless steel. They also cannot be used wet as the film will stick and get ruined. The tops for plastic tanks are easier to remove than on steel. Some makers of steel and plastic tanks include Omega, Patterson and Rokunar.

Search online or in photography magazines for a listing on film tanks and fim reels for sale.