SUMMARY
The REEL Paper 8 from Vintage Visual is a portable darkroom tool designed to produce prints up to 12x16 inches without the need for trays. Tested in the Nantahala National Forest, the ABS plastic cylinder performed flawlessly, accommodating 8x10 inch paper and fitting into a Paterson 8-reel tank. While it significantly saves space and reduces chemistry use compared to traditional methods, its substantial upfront cost, including the Paterson tank and potentially the AGO Film Processor, is a major drawback. The system is ideal for photographers with limited space or those who print remotely, especially if they already own the Paterson tank.
TAKEAWAYS
REEL Paper 8 allows printing of large format photographs (up to 12x16 inches) without trays.
The device fits into a Paterson 8-reel tank and is made of durable ABS plastic.
Key drawbacks include a high initial investment for the reel, tank, and potentially the AGO processor.
It is particularly useful for remote printing and space-saving, but still requires a light-proof space for exposure.