Nordic Lab film-loading aid for Jobo developing reels

Blind operation in a changing bag: The tool and reel are held firmly in relation to each other, so you no longer have to feel around for the reel entrance in the dark. No finger contact with the emulsion: The film is guided into the reel instead of being pushed in with your fingers. This eliminates fingerprints and bent half-moon marks that cannot be salvaged later. 120 with a separate take-up roller: The 120 version consists of two parts: one body holds the reel and film roll, while the second, removable roller winds up the backing paper and pulls the film onto the reel. Repeatable even for beginners: The exact step at which most films are damaged always proceeds the same way. Design & idea: Nordic Lab (Sasha Yakovlev). Licensed design, manufactured in Germany and tested for fit on a genuine Jobo reel. Compatibility Jobo DuoSet reel 1501, adjustable universal reel; the 35mm version is for the 35mm position, and the 120 version is for the 120 position. Compatible with the development tanks in the Jobo 1500 series: 1510, 1520, 1540. For 35mm film and 120 roll film. Not compatible with Paterson development reels. The same film-loading aid is available for Paterson in a separate version: Film-loading aid for Paterson development reels. Scope of delivery 35mm version: 1x 35mm film-loading aid, one-piece 120 version: 1x 120 film-loading aid, two-piece: body and take-up roller to be assembled 35mm + 120 set: 1x 35mm film-loading aid and 1x 120 film-loading aid (two-piece) All versions are supplied without a development reel, development tank, or film. These are not included. The two parts of the 120 version Body: Holds the Jobo reel 1501 in the 120 position and the 120 film beside it. Both are held firmly in relation to each other so nothing shifts in the dark. Take-up roller (the second part): It fits beside the film inside the body. It has a longitudinal slot for the end of the backing paper and a handle on top. When you turn it, the backing paper winds onto the roller, pulling the film out of the roll and onto the reel. The take-up roller is therefore both a paper winder and a crank; without it, you would have to separate and advance the film and paper by hand in the dark. Technical details Material: technical plastic Color: black, matte Dimensions of 35mm version: 132 x 97 x 49 mm Dimensions of 120 version: body 141 x 134 x 74 mm, take-up roller 31 x 31 x 84 mm Film formats: 35mm and 120 (medium format / roll film) Compatible with: Jobo reel 1501 in the respective format position 35mm design: one-piece 120 design: two-piece: body with reel and film holders, plus removable take-up roller with paper slot Made to order in Würzburg Description The film inevitably has to be loaded onto the reel in the dark, whether in a changing bag or darkroom. This is exactly where the typical damage occurs: The film leader misses the reel opening, you try again several times, push it in with your fingers, and leave fingerprints or creases. The film-loading aid holds the reel and film in position relative to each other, allowing the film to find its way even without visibility. With 120 roll film, there is the additional issue that the backing paper remains attached to the film and must be fed through with it. That is why this version consists of two parts. Here is how it works: In daylight, place the 120 film in the body, insert the end of the backing paper into the longitudinal slot of the take-up roller, and fit the roller into its holder. Then add the Jobo reel in the 120 position and thread the film end into the reel. In the changing bag, all you have to do is turn the roller: The backing paper winds up, while the film runs evenly onto the reel. The 35mm version does not need this second part because 35mm film has no backing paper. It holds the film cartridge and reel so the film leader reaches the entrance without searching. Which reel you need: a Jobo 1501 in the appropriate format position; it is not included. Sasha provides the original designs free of charge, and anyone who wants to print one themselves is expressly invited to do so: 35mm version and 120 version on his Ko-fi page. If you want a finished part tested on a genuine Jobo reel and shipped from the EU, you can get it here. Frequently asked questions What is the second part of the 120 version for? It is the take-up roller for the backing paper. You insert the end of the paper into its longitudinal slot and turn the handle in the changing bag. The backing paper winds onto the roller, and this pull carries the film onto the reel. The part does not exist for 35mm because 35mm film has no backing paper. Which reel do I need for this? A Jobo DuoSet 1501 in the appropriate format position. The reel is not included. Does it also fit Paterson reels? No. The dimensions are different; there is a separate version for Paterson. Does the emulsion side matter? No. In the development tank, it makes no difference whether the emulsion faces inward or outward. The film develops the same way in both cases.