8mm Forum: who makes the best reel/cans

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Posted by Andy Oliver (Member # 604) on August 08, 2006, 04:58 PM:

Hi, looking to spend the winter months glueing film together. So nows the time to start building a supply of 200 and 400ft reels and cans. Can someone recommend the best r/c for the super 8 format?. At present i have a mixture of gepe,hama,posso and quite a few of photax r/c. The gepe seem to be the better quality of the r/c i own, but are there better makes available. Any input would be great.
Andy

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on August 09, 2006, 11:11 AM:

I have so many different plastic reels, and have found that most are fine, and there is little difference between the quality in reels when it comes to 200 and 400 foot.

If I had to choose the best, I would say the Goldberg steel reels are the "Rolls Royce" of super 8 reels. I picked up quite a few 600 and 800 foot from Blackhawk way back when they were closing all the film stuff out (otherwise Goldberg reels would have been way too expensive). They are dark brown and have a very classic look to them, even suitable for hanging on the wall (though my wife might disagree).

Nick.

Posted by Paul Spinks (Member # 573) on August 09, 2006, 03:34 PM:

I always use Bonum reels and cans. In my opinion they are consistantly the best quality reels for Super 8. Similarly I find Tuscan reels and cans the best for 16mm film.

Posted by Joe Taffis (Member # 4) on August 09, 2006, 04:27 PM:

Like Paul, I prefer BONUM plastic reels and cases; and plastic reels and cases (or cardboard) for everything. Tuscan 200' and 400' are very good too. I also like the NORIS 800 footers. Nick...those GOLDBERG reels are too heavy to suit me...I have two 800 footers if you want them for postage. Let me know. [Smile]

Posted by James N. Savage 3 (Member # 83) on August 10, 2006, 06:16 AM:

I like the bonum reels/cases as well, but I have had a couple of them crack around the core. Plus, the the door on the edge has given up on a few of my older ones.

Joe- Thanks for the offer [Smile]

, but I am plenty stocked up on reels for now. I know what you mean about them being heavy, but you got to admit- they do look good! [Wink]

Nick.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on August 10, 2006, 07:21 AM:

I agree with Joe- the Bonum reels are the best plastic reels out there. In metal reels, the Elmo 1200 ft reel is the best I have seen, very light and very smooth running.

Posted by Mark Todd (Member # 96) on August 10, 2006, 10:26 AM:

Only real problem with the bohnams is if you post the films in the cans withought making sure they can not move, with bumping etc they will get loads of small chips n the egde of the reels, sometimes really bad and in my experiance the worst reels to do this..
I once got an optical 3x600 from a dealer on them and no in case padding and all of the film was absolutely covered in little grey plastic shards and the edge of the reels with loads of little bits off. Ouch.!!!!
So if you buy anything in them always ask the seller to pack the reels on the outside of the case`s or put good padding in with the reel if you will.
Just pick up a feature in them and give a little shake this way and that you will see what I mean.
best Mark.

Posted by Bob Pucci (Member # 8) on August 10, 2006, 06:10 PM:

Where do you buy the Bonum Reels.

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on August 10, 2006, 08:27 PM:

It's too bad Elmo never made their wonderful white 800ft plastic reels in a 1200ft size. Now those are awesome... And the Carl Schneider KG reels are a close second...

Posted by Michael De Angelis (Member # 91) on August 10, 2006, 11:20 PM:

The Bonums are good
but as Mark mentioned,
those plastic pieces
are deadly once they
break off. My only
other issue with the
Bonum, is that they
do not allow the films
to breathe sufficiently.
It may be best to remove
the red colored back tabs
on the box to allow fresh air in.

As far as 1200' reels,
I will side with Paul
that the Elmo's are
light and balanced.

The Goldbergs are fine
and look great, but they add
a little extra weight
for the GS 1200 to handle.

Michael

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