Darkroom Tip: Sacrifice One Roll to the Reel Gods

Every darkroom disaster story starts with a reel fighting back in the dark. Buy the cheapest film you can find (or use that roll you already ruined), and practice loading your developing reel in daylight until it's effortless. Then practice with your eyes closed. Then in the changing bag.

The failure modes are always the same: damp hands, damp reel (moisture makes plastic reels bind instantly), a crimped film leader, or forcing it when it jams. Dry everything thoroughly between rolls, square off the leader with scissors, and if it sticks — back off two turns and re-feed, never push.

Ten minutes of boring practice buys you years of calm.