Anyone have experience with platinum reels for large format scanning?

Be careful with high speed. I found that even good reels can cause tension issues if the film load isn't perfectly balanced.

I recommend sticking to the original manufacturer's recommended reels. The material composition really matters for large format scanners.

Platinum reels are fine, but you absolutely must pre-condition the film. Soak it in a mild, pH-neutral bath for several hours before loading. This helps prevent warping.

Short. Use manual feed.

I had a terrible time with platinum reels. They seemed to generate static electricity which really messed up the scanner's sensors. Stick to archival polyester spools if possible.

Cleaning: Use only distilled water and a very soft, lint-free brush. Never use commercial film cleaning solutions on the reels themselves.

I found that the tension is the biggest enemy. If the reels are too tight, the film tears. If they are too loose, it bunches up. It's a delicate balance.

Are you sure the issue isn't the film itself? Sometimes the negatives are brittle regardless of the reel used. Try supporting them with acid-free backing board before loading.

Long post: My experience has been mixed. I started with platinum reels, and they were okay for standard negatives. However, when I switched to extremely delicate, brittle material, I noticed a distinct increase in micro-tears, especially near the edges. I think the material, while durable, might be contributing to uneven tension distribution during the rapid movement of a professional scanner. I've since switched to specialized archival polyester spools designed specifically for large format scanning, and the results have been much cleaner and less stressful on the film.

Check the reel diameter. Sometimes a slight mismatch in the reel size relative to the scanner's intake mechanism can cause binding.

I recommend a simple vacuum cleaner attachment for dust removal, but be extremely gentle. Never force anything.

If you are worried about warping, try scanning in smaller batches and letting the film rest between runs. Don't try to process everything in one go.

Just use a dedicated reel cleaning station. Don't try to improvise.