Nordic Lab film-loading aid for Jobo developing reels

• Blind operation in a changing bag: The tool and reel remain fixed relative 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 prevents fingerprints and bent half-moon marks that cannot be salvaged later.
• 120 with a separate guide roller: The 120 version consists of two parts — a body holds the reel and film roll, while a roller guides the backing paper and film as they are loaded.
• Repeatable even for beginners: The exact step at which most films are damaged proceeds the same way every time.

Design & concept: Nordic Lab (Sasha Yakovlev). Licensed design, made in Germany and checked for fit on a genuine Jobo reel.

Compatibility

• Jobo DuoSet reel 1501 — adjustable universal reel; use the 35mm version for the 35mm position and the 120 version for the 120 position.
• Compatible with Jobo 1500-series developing tanks: 1510, 1520, 1540.
• For 35mm film and 120 roll film.
• Not compatible with Paterson developing reels. The same loading aid is available in a separate version for Paterson.

Scope of delivery

• 35mm version: 1x 35mm loading aid, one-piece
• 120 version: 1x 120 loading aid, two-piece — body and roller to connect together
• Set 35mm + 120 version: 1x 35mm loading aid and 1x 120 loading aid (two-piece)
• All versions are supplied without a developing reel, developing tank, or film — these are not included.

Technical details

• Material: engineering plastic
• Color: matte black
• Dimensions, 35mm version: 132 x 97 x 49 mm
• Dimensions, 120 version: body 141 x 134 x 74 mm, roller 31 x 31 x 84 mm
• Film formats: 35mm (35mm film) and 120 (medium format / roll film)
• Compatible with: Jobo reel 1501 in the corresponding format position
• Made to order in Würzburg

Description

The film inevitably has to be loaded onto the reel in the dark — 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 kinks. The loading aid holds the reel and film and keeps them positioned 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 is attached to the film and must be guided along with it — which is why this version consists of two parts and guides both over a separate roller. The 35mm version 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 — if you would like to print one yourself, you are expressly invited to do so: 35mm version and 120 version on his Ko-fi page. If you want a finished part that has been checked on a genuine Jobo reel and is shipped from the EU, you can get it here.