Question for M2 & M3 users

[Horatio]

Do you trim the film leader as directed, just go with the default trim, or something in between?

I know there's a reason for using a long leader when loading the Barnacks.

 

[ktmrider]

straight from the manufacturer works just fine

 

[Horatio]

straight from the manufacturer works just fine

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[madNbad]

Insert the leader under the tab and make sure it’s not angled but flat against the bottom of the spool.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

straight from the manufacturer works just fine

Factory straight! .....and faster than a Barnack

 

[ray*j*gun]

Never trim for my M2.

 

[Ronald M]

Factory trim. If you load your own, trim 8 sprocket holes back.

 

[d.dulin]

I roll my own and leave it flat cut and it works fine in both my quick load equipped M2 as well as the regular M2 spool.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Barnacks have a different loading procedure. You'll need the trimming template ABLON to cut a leader to your film. Without this leader loading is possible, but very difficult.


Erik.

 

[Beemermark]

Short leader is all that's needed. Insert the spool with the leader in the take up spool, close bottom. Do not try to fiddle with the film with the back door open. Leads to more trouble than not.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Do you trim the film leader as directed, just go with the default trim, or something in between?

As directed by who? I know this is required for Barnacks, but I've never heard it recommended for M's?

To answer your question, I never do anything to the leader when loading my M2.

 

[raid]

straight from the manufacturer works just fine

Same here for my M3

 

[raid]

Barnacks have a different loading procedure. You'll need the trimming template ABLON to cut a leader to your film. Without this leader loading is possible, but very difficult.


Erik.

This is correct.

 

[Tom R]

Used M2's and M3's for about fifteen years before switching to M4-P's (for various reasons). Never trimmed factory-loaded rolls. In fact, as long as the edge of the film is flush with the flange, I had fewer loading problems with the M2/3's than the so-called "quick load" system standard on later (M4 and greater) models.

 

[Beemermark]

Short leader is all that's needed. Insert the spool with the leader in the take up spool, close bottom. Do not try to fiddle with the film with the back door open. Leads to more trouble than not.

Oops this is wrong for the M2 & M3. Correct for the M4.

 

[CameraQuest]

Do you trim the film leader as directed, just go with the default trim, or something in between?

I know there's a reason for using a long leader when loading the Barnacks.

real world, the M4 and later cameras with rapid load are SOOOO much easier to use.

 

[loquax ludens]

For my M cameras (M3, M6, MP), I use all factory-loaded film as is. For my bulk loads, I trim the leader to roughly resemble a modern factory load. For my IIIC, I use a film leader trimmer (an ABLON copy), but I've also just freehand cut a longer, thinner leader, and worked fine too.

 

[Horatio]

As directed by who? I know this is required for Barnacks, but I've never heard it recommended for M's?

Just about every M3 bottom I've seen (in photographs only) has the same diagram as the Barnacks re: leader trimming.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Just about every M3 bottom I've seen (in photographs only) has the same diagram as the Barnacks re: leader trimming.

I see. That’s not on the diagram on my M2’s bottom plate.

*edit* Actually maybe that is what the diagram on my M2 means, and I just never interpreted it that way. Anyway, I’ve never trimmed, never had an issue 🙂

*edit II* Don’t Barnacks actually have instructions for trimming the leader on the bottom plate diagram? I thought the M3/M2 diagram just showed how to load the take up spool?

 

[Pál_K]

When loading an M2 or M3, simply ensure both the upper and lower sprocket holes in the film have engaged the corresponding teeth of the sprocket cylinder. Once done, there will be no problems.

Likewise, on a Barnack, since you cannot see the upper sprocket tooth on the cylinder, you cannot ensure an untrimmed leader will engage properly. So, trimming the top part of leader off is necessary. When I load my Leica III, I can do it reliably in 30 seconds. What I do is ensure the bottom sprocket hole is on the lower sprocket tooth (it actually is visible) and wind on. I also ensure the film feeds straight and then engagement of the top sprocket holes and teeth will follow.