The Easy Way to Load 120 Film Into a Paterson Tank! 

I had a small panic attack halfway through loading, so I stuck the film back in the camera and came to watch this video. After watching, I went and loaded the film without any issues! This really is the best 120 film loading tutorial I've seen! Thanks!

If I had to land a passenger plane in an emergency I'd want the maker of this video to be the guy talking me through it. So thank you for this video. Just watched this in Berlin and used it to load my first roll of 120 - without dramas. Appreciate your efforts with making it, the very clear and confident way you explain with just the right about of repeatition.

I've been loading film onto plastic reels since Yankee and FR were the big names for home darkroom. I never found 120/620/127 hard to get started on plastic reels -- where i had problems was on stainless. And when I figured out I could do *two rolls* of 120/620, one loaded after the other (taped together where the ends meet) on a single reel, I was done with stainless forever.

This is a GREAT tip actually! I always get anxious and frustrated loading 120 in completely dark. Thanks so much!

You can load a second film behind the first and your developer will do twice as many films in half the time! Thaks for the loading tip. I wish I'd thought of it!

This was a super smashing tutorial. I'm just now preparing to get back into B&W photography after being away from it for over 40 years. Previously, I used stainless reels and tanks. I've never used a Peterson tank and reel, so I've felt concern about how to start the film on the reel. Your technique has given me the answer I need to be successful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about this process. Super video. Well done!

Thank you for the tutorial! I'm just trying to get back on B/W film photography after 20 years and while I remember a lot of the basics I never got the chance to try 120 or 4x5, so the excitement and fear of trying something technically new can be overwhelming and discouraging, but clear and simple videos like yours help me to try, stop worrying and enjoy the ride...

I was so happy to see that you use the tape-end of the roll to put it on the reel. I think the folded over tape acts as a good guide to get it onto the reel. Awesome. 😀

Some useful tips. I make loading the film onto the reel much easier by using Kaiser reels which have "wings" making it much easier to get the film started.

Really great advisory, can't wait to get the rolleis back from service (after 50 years for the first time), unfortunately i had to get rid of fathers darkroom, so i have to start again.

I just had to comment. I’ve watched several RU-vid tutorials about this, and no one else has come even close to explaining it as well as you have. They all miss bits out, assuming that people know a certain amount about developing, eg terms, etc. Thank you so much for this video, I now feel much more confident for when my developing tank arrives. Liked and subscribed 🙏

I'self make it the complete opposite way and it works fine too 😂 When unwinding the film roll I put the end off the film into the spool as soon as the film appears. I grab the film end with two fingers and pull directly in the spool (I don't push it) I pull it for about half of a spool wind. (Entrance of the spool is easy to find in the dark by touching with the fingers) After I simply make the back and forth mouvement with the spool, film unwinds itself and the paper rolls up separately by it's own When arriving at the beginning of the film, I tear the tape in front of the film, put the paper away, wind completely the rest of the film into the spool.

Good tip re using a short strip of negatives to aid in threading the film, but I don’t remove all the backing paper first. I only separate the beginning of the film from the paper. The paper falls away naturally as you wind and therefore you minimise handling the film.

I've loaded dozens of 120 reels and never thought of removing all the paper first. Thanks for the tip. I'll try that the next time.

Brilliant video. I have been shooting and developing medium format for about 3 years. Must have processed at least 50-60 rolls, yet I have learned so much from your video (I could never figure out what to do with the sticky tape at the end of the roll). Thanks so much!

Nice tips, very useful. I put a small piece of scotch tape on the left hand side directly under the left tab. That way in the changing bag I can immediately locate the left tab, and quickly line up the right tab guide. It’s been working but I like the old piece of film trick. Thank you!

This is so amazing. That one tip is just such a game-changer for me. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate it.

I am thinking of moving to medium format but have been a bit daunted about loading the film for development. I thought you video was very useful. Thanks

recently got into developing film due to labs shutting down and running out of chemicals. This tip helped me out tremendously never thought about this one!

Even though this installment is a year old, as a recent subscriber I wasn't able to see it till now. I've been using stainless steel tanks with Hewes reels for years. However for developing four or five rolls of 120 at a time I decided to try the Peterson 2.5 liter tank. I was simply having too much trouble loading the reels, though, and put off starting to use them. Then I saw this video. Genius! This trick makes loading the reels so much easier. I recently returned from a 23 day cruise through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal and back and I had twenty five rolls of 120 film to develop. So I had five development sessions as opposed to the thirteen I would have needed for my two reel stainless tanks. This video helped to make that task so much easier. Thank you!

Good tips. I have ditched the Paterson film reels and replaced with the Arista Premium Reels, they make a world of a difference.

I've used Paterson tanks all my photographic 'life' and like them a lot! Now in my late 60's I have Diabetic Neuropathy and I am loosing the sensation in my fingers! I think your tutorial has saved my bacon. Thank you!

Thanks for the insightful and methodical video walking through the process! Just loaded my first roll of 120 without issue. Going to go develop it as soon as my chemicals are warmed up!

Excellent tips...especially the twizzle stick tip! Thank you kindly.

So many INCREDiBLE tips in this one video. I'm gobsmacked. This is clearly years of experience and tricks generously shared for everyone. Thank you!!!

you're a natural teacher. thank you for the tutorial !!

The template idea is great. I quickly stopped using my paterson reel for 120 film after getting my hands on a couple of AP reels. They fit the paterson tank just the same but the extra guides make loading 120 and indeed 35mm film a lot easier. AP Reels are cheap as well, I always recommend them for 120 film instead of paterson reels.

Brilliant! That loading tip is by far the best I've seen. One less hurdle to jump. Thank you sir.

John, the film template idea is genius...another brilliantly informative video. Thank you.

This inspired tip will be invaluable when I finally work up the nerve to start shooting x

Brilliant advice - Thank you. Even the tip about leaving the tape on was really helpful.

brilliant tutorial. I've developed several 120 mm rolls since I watched this. Thanks!!

Old timey darkroom guy here. Strated loading 120 reels (620 actually) in the 1950's. On a 3 month 5000 mile trip and no room to bring my 4 reel SS tanks and reels for 120. I just bought the Patterson tank while traveling so I can develop rolls so I can be sure I don't have an exposure failure. In the dark my fingers don't have to think about the degree of cupping and the amount of tension on the film as my other hand rotates the reel. It just happens - sorta like a knee jerk when the Doc taps your knee. I am not convinced at this moment the Paterson reel is the answer but I will be souping the first rolls tomorrow. We shall see.

With the end of the paper folded over, I like to make a 1/2 inch cut in the end of the sealing strip so it's easy to tear open in the changing bag.

Why have I never realised to use the tape end to load first? Great tip and well explained. Thank you.

Best video on RU-vid!!! Saved me a trip back to the store to return 😂😂

Thank You for shortening my ages of loading film in a Paterson or Jobo tank :-)))

Great tip. First time I tried this, something got jammed and had to resort to my old method, called, struggle. Tried again today, it worked !. Must have been my 75 yr. old fingers , first try. Thanks. KB

this tutorial was amazing! and your tone and voice is so, honestly excited about teaching - it's amazing!

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge. I destroyed two rolls of 120 today, I'm more used to 35mm. I shall try again.....

that tape bit on the end will help me tremendously. I dont have a problem starting the film on the reel its getting it to keep going seems to bind at some point and wont go on. I am going to try that.

Just tried your film guiding trick. Worked like a charm in the dark!

Thank you, this is so helpful! I've just bought a 1924 Kodak and after some renovation work I was very excited to load my first 120 film in it today with spool adapters. Now I've shot the film I wasn't sure how to split the film from the backing paper to get it into my Paterson tank. This was so clear and some great tips, thank you!

Using old negs for a template to start the film in the reel - GREAT!!!! THANKS!!!!

I hold with one hand the plastic spool and with other hand paper back and just pull. Film will roll it self you don't have to touch it. Film template is really nice tip that I will use for sure :) I use Jobo tank and reel and you don't even have to twist the reel since film sides get out of the reel so you can just use that to guide the film in.

Oh how helpful! Thank you! So much great information, so many helpful tips! Thank you! I just got my first Rollei, can't wait to develop it myself, it will save a fortune!

The very best tip I've seen so far. Thank you so much.

great tip, one other is to cut some offcuts of developing paper, and use it, rather like the tongue tool to de-spool the 35 mm film (to get the leader out); just use the tape that you folded on the film, stick it to the "tongue" of the paper, and pull on it, like the demo, and make sure the tape is removed afterwards. this is simmilar in a way to using a "starting chord" on a mower, or outboard engine for the dinghy, but to pull the film through.

This was brilliantly done, thanks. I have never been able to develop 120 with the plastic ratchet Paterson reels. I'm sure with practice, this would work for me.

I stick my little finger into the roll as I’m twisting the spool and spooling it in it,makes it easier

Thank you this helped me a lot with loading my first roll of 120!

Great video. I use plastic kitchen gloves- really cheap- when I'm handling film. Very thin and if I sweat in the dark bag it's no sweat!

Thank you, this a verry good tip ! I always hassle with 120 film, it got much better since I use a spool with lage lips.

Easiest way is to replace the reels with Omega Universal Adjustable Multi-format Reel (35/220) which I ordered from BHPhoto. They fit perfectly and have a lip to guide 35mm and 120 film onto the reels, Works perfectly and SO much less frustration. I have 4 of them.

Thanks for the video! I just finished developing my first 120 roll. Despite it being the same stock that I've developed dozens of times in 35mm format, I was very nervous. All went well thankfully, even with my homebrew rodinal...

Great tutorial! Watching all the (very clever) tricks and steps reinforces my love for Hewes stainless steel reels

This was a timely one John. I usually use a durst to LPL tank with stainless steel reels but decided to use the Paterson tank for a change following the tip about the lid. It took me an age to get the film on the reel. I will definitely be trying this out next time.

Thank you, sir! Your explanation is filled with warmth. 👍❤️

Always good advice 👍

Some brilliant tips there. Thanks

Muy buen video, justo estaba vierndo como simplificar esto. Fui muy util. Muchas gracias, voy a probar. Ricardo desde Argentina.

As usual, outstanding tip, John. Purchased a Rolleiflex with a 3.5F Tessar TLR lens last week and shot a test roll of Pan F with it this afternoon. I will be using this tip in the darkroom. Merry Christmas, my friend!

Thanks for the tips boss

Thank you for sharing 😊

Great tips, especially the dummy film acting as a guide! Thanks!

Excelente tutorial, Gracias, Saludos desde Colombia.

great advise for a beginner, thanks a million!

Great tip, John. Very useful for thin films like Fomapan which are fidly to load.

Woooooooow 🤯 great tip thanks!

Thank you, this was the best explanation and presentation!

Thanks for this excellent tip! Cheers from France, jeqn

what an excellent video, thank you sir

Very helpful. Thanks

Great video

Good tip for beginners,.....and for film which like to hard to handle

Great tutorial!

Great tip! Thank you!

You’re a legend mate. Great tip. Subbed.

Excellent video. Thanks for this! 😊

Amazing tip thank you !

Thank you very much. Happy New Year.

Great tips, I've so far used my AP tank (which is really easy to use as the spiral has guide tabs for the film, kind of like your tip of using a negative as a guide but these are molded into the spiral) as I've been using reusable developer (Cinestill Df96) so the amount I need to fill the tank does not really matter. But now I'm moving to Pyrocat HD which is a one shot developer so the less I can use the cheaper it gets. I have a small Russian 120 only tank which only needs something like 300 ml of chemistry, half the amount I need for the AP one, but I have not been able to get film on the spiral because no matter what I do the end of the film comes out of the groove after I get some of it In. I think this is partly because I use Fomapan film which is slightly thinner than for example Ilford and partly because of the sloppy tolerances and build quality of the Russian tank. So next time I'll definitely try the tape trick, maybe it will make the end of the film stiff enough to stay In the groove all the way. So thanks for the tip.

Great tips!! Thanks.

This is probably the most complicated way I've seen but then, I've never had much trouble getting 120 film onto a spool.

This is brilliant I love you thank you.

Great tip !

Thank you! Very handy!

Even if you are invested in Paterson, the easiest way to deal with problems loading a Paterson reel is to buy a better quality reel (and tank). Which one? Practically any one you can find. The AP looks much the same. but appears to be much better made. It is also sold in the US by B&H and Freestyle, relabeled as their store brand equipment. Do you think the big stores know something there?

Thank you so much for your the video! ✌️

Great tips, do you ever load 2 rolls at the same time if so how do you know when first roll is fully loaded. Thanks.

Thank you so much!!!

Hi John, as always very practical and helpful video, I'll be trying your approach. I enjoy the way you think things through and explain so clearly. I do have one thought here though; my intuition tells me there's no wrong way to rotate with the swizzle stick, and in fact maybe the opposite to what seems logical might be the best way. So it's something like this.. Either way you rotate there will be an opening in the film which will move through the developer and hopefully channel the developer effectively over the surface of the film. In one direction the opening is on the outside as you've shown here, the other direction the flow will be from the opening in the centre of the reel. I should think either will work but I do wonder.. Given that the space for fluid gets smaller towards the middle of the tank (the rings of film are decreasing in diameter) would it perhaps be counter-productive to try to make the developer flow inward as you've shown here, and possibly more effective to rotate the other way and let the developer follow its natural tendency to fill out into the larger space of the tank? This is totally hypothetical but I just thought it was interesting to ponder. As always thanks for sharing your experience with us, it's so valuable!

In fact, I had an experience with a 35mm film, after trying to insert the film into the screw of the Patterson tank, under a lot of blankets, sweat and anxiety on a summer day, because I do not have a black bag, but I succeeded in the end and was able to get the film stuck to the screw threads, and I also succeeded From repeating the ball with four films, but I did not try with the 120 mm film. The question here is whether there are holes in the film until it is attached to the teeth, or is that not a condition? I am waiting for an answer from the experts, thank you.

5:00 thanks so much for this

thank you very much!

Thanks a lot John for this excellent tip, can't wait to try it out! :-) Yesterday I removed the small annoying metal balls from all of my plastic film reels as you advised in another of your wonderful videos: It's so much easier to load the film now! Thanks! :-)

brilliant !!

Excellent tutorial, and just to confirm - is it OK to touch the undeveloped film? Won't it leave finger prints or smudges?

Nicely done.

thanks