Need a new bulk film loader

[Sofa King]

I was loading some film into cartridges for the first time today when, on the second roll, the joint where the handle grips the piece that makes the film spool into the cartridge stripped. I was able to finish most of the roll with some pliers, but it's totally destroyed now. I bought this loader from a garage sale and by the packaging it looks to be made in the 70s. It looks exactly like the Watson loader except it doesn't say Watson anywhere on it (no brand name at all anywhere).

So my question is do any of you use bulk film? If so is your loader durable? I need to get a new one and am wary of buying the Watson one since this one, which looks so similar, broke so quickly. I'm looking at the Arista one on Freestyle but I know nothing about it besides that the handle looks more durable.

 

[markinlondon]

Are there any old school camera shops near you? They may have bulk loaders at give away prices. Otherwise try ebay. I've never payed more than £5 for a bulk loader.

 

[laptoprob]

I have more than I need, but shipping may make them too expensive.

 

[rich815]

I find the Lloyd's type:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280144621481

to be easier to work with than the Alden or Watson ones.

Over at Urban Ore on Ashby in the junk electronics area there were a few of the Watson types for about $5 each, should you just want to give another a try for cheap. That was a couple months ago. I snagged one but there were a couple others left.

 

[peter_n]

The best bulk loader is reported to be the Alden 74. You can get them on eBay for $10-15 or buy them new (thay are still being made) for about $40. I bought two on eBay then broke down and bought a new one. One of my best buys ever. I think Freestyle sells them.

 

[colyn]

I use both the Watson model 100 and the Alden 74. Both are excellent loaders and can be had on ebay fairly cheap..

The Lloyd loader uses a felt light trap which can collect dust which will scratch the film so I would advise against using it..