Loading my M2

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oscroft

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Do people really think that loading the early M cameras is tricky? I've just loaded my new M2 for the first time and I was ready for it being fiddly and difficult, but it isn't. Compared to my M6, it just takes a few extra seconds to thread the film on the spool first, then it just pops in like a dream 😀
 
I agree, I was surprised at my success first time around.

I think the knock on the difficulty of loading a Leica comes from the reality that loading an LTM body is a horror. The hinged back of the M bodies though make the process much easier and not that difficult at all.

Yes, you have to take the base plate off, and remove the spool, and can drop them, dark theater, drop the spool "oh my"....

I don't photograph in theaters and have hands, teeth, pockets to hold stuff.

No big deal in my book.
 
I've not found my IIIa a horror to load - it's not that different from loading an M2 or M3 - providing you trim the film lead first. Have not seen why it is such a big issue for some.
 
I was a bit worried myself. My first ever Leica, an M2, arrived yesterday. It took longer to read the directions than actually load the film. Second role went in plenty quick for me.

I could see it being a bit more of a challenge if I couldn't sit down a minute for some reason.

Mark
 
craygc said:
I had my M2 converted to the M4 style take up spool by DAG. Couldnt be better. At least now I load the film with one hand rather than 2 required with the original spool.
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Craig,

How much does this cost? A relative has kindly given me a M2 which has been unused for decades (not collected it yet) and I am used to my MPs. If it is cheap I would consider a conversion to ensure common handling.

Rgds
 
payasam said:
Rover, do you aim to scare people away from LTM cameras? In my experience they are not difficult to load.
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No, I have not been able to load them with any ease though. I like my Canon IVSB2 quite a bit, but use it sparingly because It takes forever for me to load it. You have to admit more effort goes into loading a Barnak compared to an M.

I also think loading a modern M is easier than loading a swing back camera, but that is just me. I know I am in the minority on that one.
 
I bought an extra Leitz M2 loading spool to use with my rig. Now, I just drop the spent cartridge out, pluck out the empty M2 spool with my fingers, and then drop in the second pre-loaded cartridge/spool. I think that's an old M2 Newpaperphotog speedy trick 😎 Saves a few seconds!
 
I bought an extra Leitz M2 loading spool to use with my rig. Now, I just drop the spent cartridge out, pull out the empty spool with my fingers, and then drop in the second pre-loaded cartridge/spool. I think that's an old M2 Newpaperphotog speedy trick Saves a few seconds!
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That sounds like a great idea, thanks - I think I might try to get a spare spool.
 
Yes, I find my M3 very easy to load. One thing I did to speed things up was to paint a white line by the slot on the spool to help me find it fast in low (or any) light with my aging eyes. Otherwise, just one more piece to keep hold of for a moment but otherwise more positive loading than my MP.
 
I agree. It's a piece of cake to load - dead easy. I think more reliable in fact than cameras with swing open backs.

oscroft said:
Do people really think that loading the early M cameras is tricky? I've just loaded my new M2 for the first time and I was ready for it being fiddly and difficult, but it isn't. Compared to my M6, it just takes a few extra seconds to thread the film on the spool first, then it just pops in like a dream 😀
Click to expand...
 
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