Am I loading film properly?..Mamiya 7

[peewee]

Hello..I'd be grateful for some more help!🙂
I just unreeled another couple of 120 negatives to dry..This will be my 6th from the Mamiya..
I never get 10 exposures..The first one or two exposures on the negative are completely translucent and there's always a quarter or so of a properly exposed negative at the end of the strip..Any suggestions about what I could be doing wrong please..😕
Thanks!

 

[FrankS]

When loading the film, do you advance the film so that the arrow on the film backing paper aligns with the camera's film index mark (center of film gate, I believe) BEFORE closing the camera back and advancing to the first frame using the camera's frame counter?

I've never used a Mamiya 7 before but many medium format cameras require this film roll alignment.

A notable exception is the Rolleiflex which has a film thickness sensor. The film needs to be fed between 2 rollers. If not, the entire film advances through the camera without the shutter being set. (Don't ask me how I know this!) Many first time Rolleiflex users waste a whole roll of film with improper loading.

 

[gdi]

+1

Here is a video that shows exactly how it works with the Mamiya...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVEX9CgWC0o

 

[peewee]

No, I close the door as soon as the film tab has caught in the take up spool after just one advance of the lever..I wonder how does it make a difference as long as the film has caught on the spool?..Thanks very much for your reply.

 

[peewee]

Right, very pleased that i was at fault..
Thanks very much for your time.

 

[tj01]

I had a total of almost 10 rolls on this Mamiya before I figured out the arrow to arrow part. So you are not alone. !

 

[Todd.Hanz]

No, I close the door as soon as the film tab has caught in the take up spool after just one advance of the lever..I wonder how does it make a difference as long as the film has caught on the spool?..Thanks very much for your reply.

remember, what your calling the film tab is actually the backing paper for 120 film, the actual film is still on the roll. As you advance the lever it will sense the film thickness when it reaches the take up spool and stop advancing, hence the film counter should read '1'. If you pay attention to the advance lever you can actually feel a slight bit more drag as the film reaches the take spool, then it stops.

Good Luck,
Todd

 

[peewee]

I was worried about light leaking into the camera!..I'm pleased it's me..as usual!

 

[Bob Michaels]

When loading the film, do you advance the film so that the arrow on the film backing paper aligns with the camera's film index mark (center of film gate, I believe) BEFORE closing the camera back and advancing to the first frame using the camera's frame counter? ..............

I have done it exactly this way with my Mamiya 7 for many years. Always get 10 frames. Never had a light leak.

 

[peewee]

Thanks Bob.

 

[Roger Pellegrini]

I have the same problem.

I have the same problem.

I always load the film to the arrow and I have the same problem. There is always at least one frame cut off.

 

[StoneNYC]

I always load the film to the arrow and I have the same problem. There is always at least one frame cut off.

I know this may sound silly but I notice when I load mine, if I don't hold down the film as it spins the first 2 turns, it slips a bit, perhaps you are turning it too fast and so it slipping out of the spool and that's why you are off a frame?

PS hi I'm Stone, I found this forum from APUG 🙂

~Stone~ The Noteworthy Ones - Mamiya: 7 II, RZ67 Pro II / Canon: 1V, AE-1 / Kodak: No 1 Pocket Autographic, No 1A Pocket Autographic. Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[BardParker]

I load to the arrow before closing the door as described by Todd.Hanz and I have never had the problem. Always get 10 frames.

Kent