Re: [Leica] Re: Loading the film

[Dave Richards <dprichards@uswest.net>]

When I first got my M6 I was a bit intimidated by the loading process,
being more used to the completely open back of an SLR.  Just about that
time Tina Manley posted a message with a most valuable recommendation.

Extend the film out of the cassette until it is long enough to reach across
the back and into the take-up spool.  Take the leader and fold it once,
about 1/8" to 1/4" from the end.  Then fold it once again, in the opposite
direction, about the same distance from the first fold.  When both folds
are completed the film has an accordion-like appearance with viewed
edge-on, like this:

           /\  /
__________/  \/

Then simply drop the cassette in and slip the end of the leader into one of
the slots in the take-up spool.  I usually ease the film far enough into
the back so the sprocket holes line up with the the advance sprocket, then
I advance the film one frame to make sure everything is working as it
should, close the back and attach the base.

I've never missed a load and have become quite adept at loading while
walking and listening to my wife talk about the things going on around us.
Pretty remarkable given that I usually have trouble walking with gum in my
mouth.

Dave
              


>Greetings,
>
>As one who has been using the M6 for about 1-1/2 years now, 
>I still struggle with the film loading.
>
>I have found that the blind faith "drop it in  and go" approach 
>works only when I have all the time in the world to load the 
>camera, such as when photographing architectural or scenic 
>subjects. 
>
>I use Fuji chromes, Kodak Print, and Ilford B&W films, and can 
>say that the Ilford Delta and Chromogenic films always go right 
>in and load, the Fuji films usually do this, Astia always, Velvia 
>mostly, and the Kodak films are about 50-50, the Chromogenic 
>and Royal Gold films being almost impossible to get right the 
>first time.
>
>This may be statistically meaningless,  but I have found the 
>behavior to be as indicated after putting several hundred rolls 
>through.  I won't speculate as to whether it's film thickness, 
>shape of the leader, surface smoothness of the leader, or just 
>the frame of mind I'm in using these films at those times.
>
>I have found that if I take the second or two extra to make sure 
>the film sprocket holes are aligned with the camera sprockets, 
>there is no failure to load and advance, but if I just plop it in, it's 
>an act of faith that is usually rewarded, but not always.
>
>I accept the advice to drop it in and trust, so that is my usual 
>practice, but occasionally I just have to go back and re-do it.  
>This is accepted by me as part of the idiosynchracies of the 
>camera, its not a complaint.  If I was doing critical work where 
>the camera must be loaded at all times to get the money shots, 
>I'd carry a second or third body, and reload off the clock.  
>
>Maybe after a few thousand rolls of film the camera will get 
>broken in and function the way its expected to, or maybe the 
>little crimping wheel in the base needs tightening to pull the 
>prongs together tighter; I'll give it a few thousand more rolls 
>and then start to think about having it looked at.
>
>Take care,
>
>Norm
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