Hewes Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Film Developing Reel for 35mm Size Film

Do NOT purchase this item from the store called "Groundswell Goods". They are NOT Hewes Branded Reels. They are trying to have you believe they are selling "Used Hewes Reels". What Groundswell Goods are shipping are cheap China and/or Taiwan flimsy reels that might make it through one developing session - and then - charging you nearly $30 for an item that is probably worth less than a $1? Buy the Real Hewes Reels from a bonafide seller. The "real Hewes reels" will last you a lifetime and are worth every penny. What Groundswell Goods is shipping is hardly worth the cost of shipping - if that. How do I know? I purchased two of these from Groundswell Goods - and returned both. As I own several real Hewes Reels - the quality difference is apparent. One looks like a high quality product (the Hewes Reel) - and the other (what was received) looks like a kid's twisted coat-hanger from a forgotten school project.

This came to me bent and I didn't realized it until it was too late. I ruined so much film! Do not buy!!!

These are way better than the generic or Adorama brands. Even on Adorama's website, their own brand of reel has horrible reviews. I bought a generic brand first because it was cheaper, but that was a waste of money and film! Even in daylight, I could not get the film to load on the generic brand. I finally did some research and found these (Hewes brand). Who knew that there could be such a huge difference in quality?? The Hewes brand practically loads itself. If you are using plastic reels and are thinking of switching to stainless steel, don't go for the cheap ones, you will just waste your money and ruin your film. The Hewes brand is easily worth the money. Instead of a spring clip to grasp your film, it has two prongs that catch your film by the sprocket holes. Loading is a breeze from there. Again, I don't know why the generic ones are even being made. The person who designed them obviously knows nothing about film and how the stainless steel reels are supposed to work. The Hewes brand is a great product and is a breeze to use.

These stainless steel reels are what has been used in wet darkrooms for many, many years and are still the best you can buy. Nowadays, companies are making the cheap plastic reels and plastic tanks which in my opinion, aren't as good as the stainless steel. I've used both and the stainless steel tanks and reels always seem to work better for some reason. This one works very well. I've loaded a few dozen rolls onto this thing and have never had a problem with any of my rolls of film coming loose or falling off the reel.

I bought this reel used... I am happy with the pre-owned Hewes 35mm reel, the previous owner took good care of the reel, and was able to ship with original box. I would buy used again.As far as reels go, the Hewes photographic equipment is alway high quality, if given a choice in product name I will always buy Hewes first, this is why I choose to buy used, because their equipment is so well made I can not see anyone abusing it to where it could become useless.redkey

I had previously purchased another reel at a bargain price, which was reflected with equally poor quality.This reel however is excellently constructed and will more than likely last a lifetime, or several for that matter!Yes, this reel is more costly, but is definitely worth the investment for stainless steel tanks.

After some practice, this reel makes it easy to load a film. I'd definitely recommend this item. I already bought another one.

glad to get this