Loading a developing tank

You load film onto the reel in complete darkness, because any light fogs it. This guide covers dark-loading tanks, the most common kind. Daylight-loading tanks come with their own instructions.

What you need

• A developing tank, with its reel, centre column and lid
• Your exposed film
• Scissors
• A leader retriever, if a 35mm leader is wound inside the canister
• A changing bag, or a completely dark room

Put everything in the bag before you zip it. Once the film is out of its canister, the bag stays closed until the tank lid is on.

Retrieving the film

How you get the film ready depends on its format.

35mm film

1. Pull the leader out with a leader retriever if it is inside the canister. Do this in daylight. With no retriever, prise the flat end off the canister with a bottle opener inside the bag.
2. Cut the shaped end off the leader, straight across. Trim the two corners slightly so the film feeds smoothly.
3. On a Paterson-style reel, you can feed the first few centimetres in daylight, up to the ball bearings. The leader is already fogged, so nothing is lost.

120 film

1. In the bag, break the seal and unroll the backing paper until the end of the film appears.
2. Load the loose end of the film onto the reel, holding it by its edges.
3. Keep winding. The other end of the film is taped to the paper.
4. When you reach the tape, peel it off the film, or cut the film off in front of it.

Folding the end of the paper when you finish the roll makes it easy to find in the dark. See completing your first roll.

Loading the tank

Use a changing bag to load the tank.

How to use a changing bag:

1. Place the film and tank inside.
2. Zip the bag shut.
3. Insert your hands through the sleeves.
4. Load the film onto the reel and into the tank.

Any light inside the bag destroys the roll

Avoid wearing watches or devices that emit light inside the bag. If you must remove your hands before the film is safely loaded, be careful not to allow light in through the sleeve holes.

Plastic reels

• Load from the outer edge of the reel, twisting the two sides back and forth. The film ratchets inwards.
• The reel must be completely dry. A damp reel is the most common reason film jams halfway.
• If the film jams or comes off the track, pull it gently back out and start again.

TIP

Practise with an old or expired roll in daylight first, then with your eyes closed. Loading by feel comes quickly with a little practice.

Metal reels

• Load the film from the inside by rotating the reel.
• Hold the film start at the centre using either your finger or a clip (if present).
• Metal reels require more practice but can be mastered with time.

Securing the film

Once the film is fully on the reel:

• 35mm: cut the film free from the canister.
• 120: check the tape is off the end of the film.

Then:

1. Slide the reel onto the centre column and put it in the tank.
2. Fit the lid until it clicks or seals. The tank is now light-tight, and you can take it out of the bag.

If something goes wrong

• The film jams halfway: pull it back out gently and start again. Take your time, because the film is safe in the bag.
• Dark crescent-shaped marks on the negatives: the film was bent while loading. Hold it by the edges and let it curve naturally.