Fed 2 - need to trim the film leader?

[DrSquirley]

I have been told i need to trim the film like a leica, but internally it doesnt look like it would make a difference. Am i missing something?

Thanks.

 

[Ash]

I dont bother, but I believe trimming means that the non-connected bit doesnt fold out as you wind on.

 

[captainslack]

You were told wrong.

You only need to trim the film leader on a bottom-loading Leica type LTM camera, such as the Barnack Leica's (duh!), the FED & Zorki I (maybe the Zorki 2, but I can't vouch for that), and the early Canon's.

 

[Jocko]

The Captain is - of course - absolutely right. There is no need for a trim

Some confusion possibly occurs because early Russian manuals do often show Leica-style trimmed leaders with cameras which would not appear to need them - including both the FED 2 and Zorki 6. I've always understood that this was because film was generally bulk loaded and the Leica-trim was simply the usual way of cutting a leader at the time.

Cheers, Ian

 

[DrSquirley]

Sweet, thanks. It did seem like it was not needed and will save loading time a great deal.

 

[Ash]

all you need is to make sure that the sprocket hole clips into the spool clip. as long as it holds, you're fine

 

[w3rk5]

I bulk load my own film so I have to cut a film leader. Maybe that person thought you were gonna bulk load. Anyway, have fun with your FED 2.

 

[ZorkiKat]

I bulk load my own film so I have to cut a film leader. Maybe that person thought you were gonna bulk load. Anyway, have fun with your FED 2.

If you will be using the reloads in non-bottom loading FED or Zorki cameras, you don't even need to trim the leader. You can leave it 'as-is'. The film's leader end can be left as it had been cut from the long roll with squared ends.
This way, you don't have to pull out more film to have sprockets on either side engage with the sprocket teeth.

You would need to trim the film though to a lightly tapered tongue if you use the film for other cameras, SLRs for instance, as well.

Jay

 

[PhotoJim]

I don't cut leaders for my FSU cameras.

Actually, I don't cut them for my auto-loading Nikons either... no need. Every Nikon I've ever owned that has an integral motor drive works fine with uncut film.

Saves a lot of time ... I always have trouble trimming leaders between the perforations. Now I don't have to worry about it at all.

 

[w3rk5]

If you will be using the reloads in non-bottom loading FED or Zorki cameras, you don't even need to trim the leader. You can leave it 'as-is'. The film's leader end can be left as it had been cut from the long roll with squared ends.
This way, you don't have to pull out more film to have sprockets on either side engage with the sprocket teeth.

You would need to trim the film though to a lightly tapered tongue if you use the film for other cameras, SLRs for instance, as well.

Jay

No kidding. Thanks for the tip. I'll try it the next time I load a roll.