Anyone selling ABLON copies

My ABLON copy worked perfectly, but there was significant "operator error" in loading the film--so I just gave up and sold a nice Leotax to a member here. I went back to my Model P and L1.
 
Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect

Even without the ABLON, perfect leaders can be cut.

Cut from the perfs on the side. Start forming the shoulder, then taper gently until about halfway through the strip's width, and then cut straight until the tip is reached.

Use one type of scissors. Learn how to use it, and how to make it swerve and glide in making the tapered cut. Practice and practice and practice. Use paper strips about 35mm wide. It is not difficult to get the strokes right. Then try on discarded film.

In time, the stroke is perfected. One would not even need to count- it is possible to learn to get the needed length (give or take a cm or two) for the cut leader by eye.

Below is a picture of two 35mm rolls with Leica style leaders: the upper one cut with the aid of an ABLON template, and the lower one just by scissors, swishy finger movements and eye alone.

IGP32872.jpg


And by the way, the thingie on top is the $9.50 Ablon.😀
 
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ZorkiKat, I used your instructions on your survival site when I cut my first leader.

And cutting the leader is not rocket science, the Ablon must be one of the most overpriced not needed photographic item ever......
 
In the field I often use my Swiss Army knife using the 21 hole formula if necessary and that works for sure....however I do use the Ablon copy to do rolls at home prior to a job.......... fast and easy!
 
Both High Street and Radio in Crodyon (Croydon Photo Centre) and Ffordes used to sell an ABLON copy and may still do.

John
 
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The Prinz version is back on sale for $4 on ebay. It looks identical to my Made in Korea version that I picked up with developing tanks and trays for about $10 in total for the lot at an estate sale.
 
Scissors work fine. You must have an ABL:ON to PROPERLY trim the arrow point that plugs into the brass cassette spool.

ABLON copies do not have the point, but for leader triming they work fine. So do scissors.
 
I Have a copy that came with one of my Watson 66 bulk loaders from e-Bay; I presume the idea is to use a knife when using the template ( as opposed to scissors) ?

I have been using (successfully) a pair of curved Revlon "cuticle scissors" from the drugstore for several years; they tuck nicely into one of the pockets in my Tamrac kit bag.

I agree that ABLONs are ridiculously priced.
 
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