Abstract: A take up apparatus 10 for drawn optical fiber comprises: a take-up stand 22 supporting a first, storage bobbin 12 about a first axis 20; a motor 32 for rotating this first bobbin about that axis; a supporting means 36 supporting a second, sampler bobbin 14 about a second, different axis 34; a second motor 38 for rotating this second bobbin about the second axis; and means for controlling the relative rates of rotation provided by the motors. In use drawn fiber is guided about the first bobbin to the second bobbin and the bobbins are rotated to wind the fiber about the first bobbin and onto the second bobbin during initial drawing of the fiber. Subsequently the fiber between the bobbins is cut and the drawn fiber is wound onto the first bobbin.