Bulk loaded film gets fogged/ Leitz cassettes

[Alizarinus]

I am having some trouble with re-loadable leitz cassettes. Film gets fogged by the end of each bulk-loaded roll. The fogging is very even - no visible light leaks. The first 10 or so frames are more or less ok, with density of the fog gradually increasing by the end of a roll. Factory loaded film does not get fogged. Not sure where the problem comes from. As a film cassette empties out, I assume, it lets in more light through its open gate and starts fogging the film. Is this stray light accumulating from each additional exposure, or is this a camera leak? The camera is Leica M3, recently serviced, and working well otherwise, the film is Tri-x 400. No pin holes in the shutter. For the next roll, to rule out a camera leak, I will try masking the baseplate with some tape. The cassettes do not seem to have any mechanical problems. I’d appreciate any advice. It would a shame if I had to give up bulk loading, I rather enjoy it.

 

[oldwino]

You don’t need to use the Leitz cassettes exclusively in the M3 - any standard releasable cassette will work.
Also, Leitz made a series of the cassettes for various cameras over the years. You should make sure the ones you have are indeed compatible with the M3. I believe the ones for the Barnack cameras will not work in the M series, and vise-versa.

You might also want to check your bulk loader, particularly the felt light trap, as the fogging could be happening there. If your felt let’s light past, it could be fogging what would turn out to be the ends on your rolls.

 

[Alizarinus]

You don’t need to use the Leitz cassettes exclusively in the M3 - any standard releasable cassette will work.
Also, Leitz made a series of the cassettes for various cameras over the years. You should make sure the ones you have are indeed compatible with the M3. I believe the ones for the Barnack cameras will not work in the M series, and vise-versa.

You might also want to check your bulk loader, particularly the felt light trap, as the fogging could be happening there. If your felt let’s light past, it could be fogging what would turn out to be the ends on your rolls.

I do use the later model cassettes, designed for M3/M2, with a Leitz AFLOO loader, in the dark. I use an old model Oculus 2 headset, which doubles as passive infrared goggles. Maybe that’s how it gets fogged. I never had any issues using it in the darkroom before.

 

[Alizarinus]

I now suspect that it is my Oculus that is fogging the film.. need to find a way to use the AFLOO in complete darkness.

 

[Nitroplait]

IXMOO cassettes are not exactly a convenience - they are a leftover from another time. It only makes sense to use these if you want to relive the workflow of the past.
The AFLOO definitely doesn’t make it easier.
Late Tom Abrahamsson mentioned he would have markings on the table of his darkroom to define the length of a film. Pull and cut the desired length from the bulk roll and roll it onto the cassette by hand. It sounds like the fastest way to my ears.
I have an AFLOO but find it useless.
I use a bulk loader capable of opening and closing IXMOO and FILCA cassettes when I feel nostalgic - but I am normally cured of that pretty quickly - too much fuss.

 

[Alizarinus]

I just need to find a way to trim the end of the film in the dark without cutting off my fingertips, the rest of it is doable.

 

[Doug A]

Bulk loading makes a lot of sense if you want to shoot shorter 35mm rolls than 24 exposures. I only shoot 12-exposure rolls. Watson and Alden daylight loaders work well with IXMOO cassettes and have no felt light trap to wear out. (Only the Watson 100 works really well with the FILCA for us LTM folks.)

 

[Nitroplait]

(Only the Watson 100 works really well with the FILCA for us LTM folks.)

I have an older Fullfix loader made of rigid bakelite material which closes both types in a firm manner.

 

[Doug A]

I have an older Fullfix loader made of rigid bakelite material which closes both types in a firm manner.

Thanks. That's a new one on me. I was only referring to Watson and Alden loaders.

 

[Nitroplait]

Thanks. That's a new one on me. I was only referring to Watson and Alden loaders.

I understand. Just wanted to add an additional option that I am aware of that works with both cassette types.
Fullfix is a fairly old long discontinued German brand and probably not widely available throughout the world - but after they came on my radar, I seem to spot their loaders from time to time.

 

[Alpsman]

I just need to find a way to trim the end of the film in the dark without cutting off my fingertips, the rest of it is doable.

Could this template be helpful?

Schablone für Filmende; Template for film end; film trimmer by blechbude | Download free STL model | Printables.com