I never had much trouble loading 35mm but years ago I gave up on 120 into the Paterson reel because I just couldn't do it although I tried every trick I could find including yours. Finally about two weeks ago I decided I must see what's on some old 620 exposed film I found. So I set the Paterson reel to 120 size and commenced once again. It was an absolute nightmare. But determination drove me to continue and finally this morning I managed to load a ca. 1960's 620 roll onto my Paterson! I did the Happy Dance! After some 300+ tries using a dark bag over the last couple weeks I think I'm beginning to understand the technique. I found I must use a very light touch. The whole thing is done via feeling. A certain feeling is needed to find the entry point and to position the film at the proper position so it will ratchet onto the reel. One can't learn this simply by watching somebody else. It takes practice and that "chilled-out" attitude. People with thin and highly flexible/sensitive fingers would do best at this.

Top trick with the paper going across to help guide the film. You made my life so much better. I stuffed the first roll. Thanks for the tip

The cardboard trick is awesome, thanks

That worked really well, only hiccup I had was down to using some glossy photo inkjet paper which stuck to the film with the humidity in the changing bag, popped the film in the tank, opened the bag and changed the paper to be folded the other way and film went on first time 👍

When learning, I used an old unwanted film in daylight, but with closed eyes.  If anything went wrong, I looked to see why, and then continued.  Worth a try if you're having trouble.

That guiding paper is a real game changer. How stupid of me not to think of that earlier. I use now a piece of 35mm film. It fit right in between the slots.
Thanks a million!!

I would like to add to your excellent video, it's important there is no moisture at all on the reel. I give it a quick blast with the mrs' hair dryer just before i start. If you spend too long with the changing bag, the humidity builds up and make your job even harder. If you're having trouble, take a break (seal the film in the tank as shown) and start again with a dry reel.

Great tip on the card insert!!!  I loaded my first roll of 120 last night....it took me 30-45 minutes fumbling until I finally got it on to the reel!!!!!!   I will use your photo paper tip tonight...can't wait to try and take the "stress" out of loading 120 film.  Thanks!!!!!

I just managed to successfully develop my first roll of 120. I must have watched your video about 10 times before doing so, just to make sure I had the basics down. Using the photographic paper as a guide made all the difference to the process. No stress, tantrums or ruined rolls. Thank you so much!

Used the paper in the reel today for my first two rolls of 120 film! Worked nicely, thanks!

I've recently discovered the plastic Kaiser reels that have guide 'wings' below the two points at which the film enters the reel. I've not yet invested in one of these but I'm tempted to give it go. Another tip is, instead of removing the masking tape; leave it attached to the film and fold it flat over the end of the film. This also helps when feeding that end of the film onto the reel.

Fabulous: thank you for this guide. It really made it simple, easy, less traumatic. That end-part, when the paper and film are connected was the last challenge for me. Seeing you bring your two hands together to allow the film to wind onto itself... that is key. Cheers!

I've just developed my first roll of 120. I definitely underestimated how finicky it can be. In the end, I did get my film loaded, just with a few kinks.

I think it's good to accept the first attempt as being and experiment and learn from it.

Thanks so much for the tutorial - developed my first reel of 120 today and your trick with the card worked a treat.

Thank you! If you can imagine it, picture me at midnight with my hands stuck in a changing bag for 1 hour last night. Wrecked my roll and wanted to throw the Patterson tank into the river. I will try again with these tips.

Excellent demo and yeah the guide paper is a great idea!

I wouldn't have believed it but I just did it right now after I saw your video your way! Tooooo easy! with the guide paper! :-) 1-2 minutes and all done! REALY EASY!! THANKS! no stress anymore to developpe the 120! :-)

Very clear. Thanks for the folded paper guide trick. Another photographer slipped in a dead piece of film into the feed, again the same guide purpose. 120 is all new to me. (I have stainless 120 rolls as well as my Paterson. They look like a really steep learning curve.)

Very nice description and the tip of using the folded card is nice.  But it's FAR EASIER to use an "AP" reel, as it has very large flanges which make loading a doddle.   Paterson reels can be a nightmare in comparison.  From zipping up the changing bag, it takes me less than 2 minutes or less to completely load a 120 film using the AP reel.

Fantastic tip! Thanks.