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Thread in the light, only spool in the dark: Load the film into the guide in daylight. In the changing bag, you only need to finish winding it until it is seated on the spool.
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Straight spool guidance: The spool and film are aligned so the film winds on straight instead of slipping or jamming in the changing bag.
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No trimming of the film ends: There is no need to bevel or round the corners as usual; the film runs cleanly into the spool right away.
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Backing-paper separation for 120 solved: The 120 version winds the backing paper in a controlled manner while smoothly pulling the roll film onto the spool. No paper mess in the changing bag.
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Preload and store: Load several spools in advance and keep them ready for use. Develop them later at your leisure.
Design & idea: Nordic Lab (Sasha Yakovlev). Licensed design, made in Germany and checked for a precise fit.
Compatibility
- Standard Paterson developing reels (Paterson Super System 4 and compatible adjustable reels) in the respective format position.
- Suitable for developing in any Paterson-compatible tank.
- 35mm version for 35mm film (cartridge), 120 version for 120 roll film. One 120 film is loaded per Paterson reel.
- For Jobo reels in the 1500 series, the same film-loading guide is available in a dedicated version: Film-Loading Guide for Jobo Developing Reels.
- The dimensions may differ for reels from other manufacturers (AP/Samigon), so a precise fit is not guaranteed.
Scope of delivery
- 35mm version: 1x 35mm film-loading guide
- 120 version: 1x 120 film-loading guide, two-piece — spindle and rotary knob for assembly
- 35mm + 120 set: 1x 35mm film-loading guide and 1x 120 film-loading guide (two-piece)
- All versions are supplied without a developing reel, developing tank, or film — these are not included.
Technical details
- Material: technical plastic
- Color: matte black
- Film formats: 35mm (35mm film) and 120 (medium format / roll film)
- Compatible with: Paterson developing reels (Super System 4 / compatible) in the respective format position
- 35mm construction: one-piece
- 120 construction: two-piece — spindle with paper slot and rotary knob with roller for smooth movement
- Made to order in Würzburg
Description
Getting film onto a Paterson reel in a changing bag is one of the most unpleasant steps in film development for many people: In the dark, the cartridge slips, the film jams, and in the worst case the material gets kinked. This film-loading guide solves the problem: Load the film in daylight; there is no need to bevel or trim the film ends. In the changing bag, you only need to finish winding it until it sits cleanly and straight on the reel — calmly, consistently, and manageable even for beginners. Because the part is affordable, you can prepare several reels at once and keep them ready to use on the shelf.
With 120 roll film, there is the additional difficulty that the backing paper and film are connected and must be guided separately by feel in the dark. That is exactly what the two-piece 120 version is designed for: Feed the backing paper into the slot in daylight, attach the Paterson reel in the 120 position, and in the changing bag you only need to turn the knob. The paper winds up while pulling the film evenly onto the reel.
The design comes from Sasha Yakovlev, also known as Nordic Lab, who develops tools for analog film processing in his lab and freely shares his designs. We manufacture it under license and with his express permission here in Würzburg, and check the fit on a Paterson reel. Sasha provides the original files free of charge on his Ko-fi page — anyone who wants to print one themselves is very welcome to do so: 35mm version and 120 version. If you prefer a ready-printed, tested part with fast shipping from the EU, you can get it here.
Frequently asked questions
Which reel do I need for this?
A standard Paterson reel (Super System 4 or compatible) in the appropriate format position. The reel is not included.
Why is 120 film so difficult to load?
Unlike 35mm film, 120 roll film is attached to a long strip of backing paper, which must be separated in the dark while guiding the thin film at the same time. The guide takes care of precisely this separation and guidance.
Does it work in a changing bag / dark bag?
Yes, that is exactly what it is designed for. The guide directs the film and keeps the reel and film together so nothing slips or flies around inside the bag.
Does the emulsion side matter?
No. In the developing tank, it does not matter whether the emulsion faces inward or outward — the film develops the same way in either case.
Can I prepare several reels?
Yes. You can load several reels one after another and store them ready for use, so you can develop them later at your leisure.
Does it include a reel, tank, or film?
No. Only the film-loading guide is supplied. You use the reel, tank, and film from your existing equipment.
Nordic Lab demonstrates its use
35mm film-loading guide in use · 120 film-loading guide in use
