M3 DS just arrived; help needed on film loading

[mfunnell]

I just received a "new" recently-CLAd double-stroke M3, which seems a very nice camera so far. (I've shot two rolls of film today, and I'm guessing I probably correctly exposed at best 50% of the frames. I've yet to get them developed to find out, though.)

But the number one thing I'd like some assistance with is suggestions on how best to load a roll of film! (I have searched, but couldn't easily find anything directly applicable to the M3). While I expected it to be a mess (especially in comparison to the Hexar RF!), I hadn't reckoned on having to wrestle with it quite so hard (the 2nd time around, I think it nearly beat me).

So, any suggestions from someone who's used to doing this would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

...Mike

 

[jlw]

Does your M3 have the original removable takeup spool, or does it have the "rapid-load kit" installed? If there's no normal-looking spool and instead there's a fixed piece with a tapered slot in it, you have the rapid-load kit. (Having had an M3 equipped with this, I'm not sure how "rapid" it really is, but at least it eliminates the risk of dropping the spool and having it roll away!)

If you've got the removable spool, it shouldn't be too hard. Remove the baseplate and flip up the back, remove the spool, and slide the trimmed end of the film leader under the retainer on the spool. (If you bulk-load film and aren't used to trimming the leader, use a factory roll as an example of how to cut it, or get one of those metal templates I think you can still buy. This will make it a bit easier.)

Then, holding the film cartridge in one hand and the spool in the other, slide them into the camera. Wiggle them around a bit to make sure they've seated, and check that the perforations on the film are lined up with the teeth on the sprocket shaft; advance the film far enough that both rows of sprocket holes are on the teeth. Flip down the back cover and attach the baseplate. Now lift the rewind knob and turn it gently in the rewind direction to take up the slack in the film. Carefully advance two frames, watching the dots on the inside hub of the rewind knob to make sure they're turning, which confirms that the film is actually advancing. If all is well, you should be ready to go.

Loading with the rapid-load kit is similar, except that instead of removing the spool you just press the end of the film down into the tapered recess of the spool. It'll be a bit hard to press, because it needs to grab hold of the film. You don't need to press it down all the way, just enough that it holds. When you reattach the baseplate, the little thingie inside it will press the film down the rest of the way. You still need to make sure both sets of sprocket holes are lined up with the teeth before closing the back and replacing the baseplate.

But you probably did all that, right? And you're still having problems? Can you describe them in more detail?

 

[mfunnell]

Thanks - stupid me was trying to put the film in first then hook it to the take-up spool while the film was in the camera.

I'll do it properly next time (I don't have the "rapid load" kit).

...Mike

 

[drewbarb]

jlw- that's the most concise and efficient written description I have ever encountered of how to properly and efficiently load an M3/M2. Bravo.