M6 Film Loading

Ara Ghajanian

Ara Ghajanian

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M6 owners,
At first loading the M6 was surprisingly easy and seemed flawless. Then it happened. A leader didn't catch on the take up spool and I ended up going through a whole roll without exposing a frame. Every once in a while I have trouble getting a leader to take up even after a few tries. Is there a trick I'm not aware of? Do you have to bend the leader a certain way or something? I have the manual and I've been doing it according to the instructions, but this still happens. Any advice would be appreciated since I don't want to stand there wrestling a camera during a decisive moment. Thanks in advance.
Ara
 
I fold the very end of the leader (about 0.5 to 1cm) and make sure that the folded portion of the leader is entirely within the take up spool. Also, when I initially wind the film on to the first frame, I keep an eye on the rewind knob to ensure that it is turning.
Best wishes.

--
Monz
 
Ara

The leitz paper manual for the M4, says dont use the baseplate diagram unless it it 40 below. the M4 is the same as m6/7... but not M5.
Instead use an extra 1/2 to 1 inch so that the film crosses the take up chamber and touches the other side. I.e. through the prongs 'twice'
Then you attach the base, then you wind on carefully.
If you use the very thin base film I dont know how well this works, yet.
If you fold the end there is a risk of blind damage on rewind.
If you are 40 below you need to take care to shattering film as it can turn to shards that can cause damage.
The paper manuals (as PDF) are available free on the web somewhere I'd attach if I was computer literate.

Noel
 
I can't remember the last time I had a misfeed with my Leicas. Here's how I load mine. With baseplate off and in my shirt pocket, I have the camera upside-down with the rear door flapped open, held in my left hand. I take the film in my right hand and insert it in the well while pulling the leader out far enough to reach the takeup spool. As the film drops into the well I see to it with my right thumb+index that the leader end is inside the confines of the takeup spool. At that point I change grip to my right hand, and place the pads of 3 fingers of my left hand against the film that spans across the open door and gently push toward the top plate making sure a)the top row of sprocket holes disappears under the guide slot, 2) the film cannister is seated all the way, and 3) the sprocket spool sprockets are lined up with the film sprocket holes. Then I replace the baseplate and gently turn the rewind crank until I am sure there is resistance. Then I wind off the 2 blanks, watching to be sure the rewind crank is turning. The whole deal takes about 15 seconds.
 
I've never had a problem with the M6. If you place the film in like the diagram, push the film canister down with the door open, make sure the film is going straight across. Put the bottom back on and advance it. Look for the rewind knob to turn. Advance it a couple of times until you are at zero on the counter and you should be good.

The M5 is a pain in my rear, but I've figured it out. Leica's in general are not known for the easy loading.
 
Monz Ahmed said:
...when I initially wind the film on to the first frame, I keep an eye on the rewind knob to ensure that it is turning...
Click to expand...

Same here...

I also advance the frame while the back is still open, though It may waste one or two available shots, It's a lot better then missing out on a whole roll...
 
Ben Z said:
I can't remember the last time I had a misfeed with my Leicas. Here's how I load mine. With baseplate off and in my shirt pocket, I have the camera upside-down with the rear door flapped open, held in my left hand. I take the film in my right hand and insert it in the well while pulling the leader out far enough to reach the takeup spool. As the film drops into the well I see to it with my right thumb+index that the leader end is inside the confines of the takeup spool. At that point I change grip to my right hand, and place the pads of 3 fingers of my left hand against the film that spans across the open door and gently push toward the top plate making sure a)the top row of sprocket holes disappears under the guide slot, 2) the film cannister is seated all the way, and 3) the sprocket spool sprockets are lined up with the film sprocket holes. Then I replace the baseplate and gently turn the rewind crank until I am sure there is resistance. Then I wind off the 2 blanks, watching to be sure the rewind crank is turning. The whole deal takes about 15 seconds.
Click to expand...

These are the instructions I followed from Ben, when I had film feeding issues with my new M6. They worked beautifully, and I have never had another problem.
 
Pablito said:
the important thing is: do NOT wind with the back open. Wind only after you close the back. works every time.
Click to expand...

Pablito: Wouldn't it be better to wind the with back open, so that you can see if film has been properly loaded. I had tried it many times and worked. I concur with Nicholas L. in this regard.

M6 is the easiest to load compared to an M2 or M3 that I currently use.
 
If you follow the instructions outlined in the M6 manual, you'll get it everytime. Here is a link to a PDF of the manual:

http://www.forloren.dk/lbf/leicaM6.pdf

I've always followed those instructions, and have never lost a roll to mis-loading. About 1/8" of film in the take-up spool is sufficient for me, but I suppose a little more would not hurt. After the first advance, I tension the rewind lever to make sure that everything is secure.
 
A good rule to follow is to wind the rewind knob after you've closed the camera and advanced that first blank frame- rewind just till there is tension, then fire the second blank. The rewind knob will turn if the film is moving through the camera. I've caught a few rolls here and there that didn't 'catch' usually with the M5, tho I did miss with the M6 last week. Usually I screw up when my fingers are cold- and it's been cold up here!
 
ara
one thing that is often left out of this particulair discussion is to make sure the spool is right up into the body... with the back open you will see some sprocket "teeth" down on the right hand side... these "teeth' need to sync up with the holes in your film. more often than not the film is not as far up into the body as it needs to be. most film leaders are kind of kinked and prevent the film from sliding up as easily as one would think. just make sure the holes line up with the teeth on the bottom right (be gentle when manipulating the film so as to avoid putting your finger through the shutter). once that's a happening no folding of the film leader or anything else is neccesary.
 
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