Trimming Film Leader
- Thread starter healyzh
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pvdhaar
Peter
I had a FED-1 where it didn't make any difference.. But then again, I never was in a hurry when reloading..
kiemchacsu
Well-known
well, this is actualy the first time saw how to load a screw mount leica, as I never had one.
it's really a PAIN to load film, isn't it?
how long would it take one to load film and ready to shot on that camera?
i am glad that i never own one. LOL
Solinar
Analog Preferred
It takes less than a minute, to include manually setting the film counter dial.
Needless to say, the original Barnack design for 35mm film isn't everyone's cup of tea. With that said, my Leica Model II, (which dates back to 1932), will be the last camera I will sell. In other words, I may never sell it.
Derek Leath
dl__images Instagram
Bill Clark
Veteran
What I do is cut the film about half off 12 or 13 holes for the leader. This cut part of the film goes into the camera first.
I don’t count them. Too many then just wind the film onto the take up spool until:
You need two holes with the full size (width) of the film exposed, out of the cassette. That means two holes on each end showing.
Then insert the film and the take up reel into the camera. This is the time you can wind the leader on to the take up spool if you cut too much.
Put bottom plate of camera back on.
Then wind a couple of exposures.
Maybe it’s me but I use the rewind knob and gently take up any slack so as it moves each time I advance the film. That way it moves when I advance the film. Just a way I know things are working properly.
You’re set to make some photographs!
I don’t count them. Too many then just wind the film onto the take up spool until:
You need two holes with the full size (width) of the film exposed, out of the cassette. That means two holes on each end showing.
Then insert the film and the take up reel into the camera. This is the time you can wind the leader on to the take up spool if you cut too much.
Put bottom plate of camera back on.
Then wind a couple of exposures.
Maybe it’s me but I use the rewind knob and gently take up any slack so as it moves each time I advance the film. That way it moves when I advance the film. Just a way I know things are working properly.
You’re set to make some photographs!
bgetty
Brandon Getty
I had to send in my Leica II to get sorted out after a business card mishap. User error maybe, but I'm never trying that technique again.
I've started to pre-trim the leaders on a handful of my fresh rolls, maybe 4-6 at a time depending on how much I'm shooting the II. Just pull the film across the width of the baseplate and eyeball the cut. You can make it a fun little ritual, easily done while sipping a beer with Netflix or an album on. That way there's a stash ready when you are, and you can just grab 'n go without fumbling around on the street. Boom -- just as easy as loading an early M.
I've started to pre-trim the leaders on a handful of my fresh rolls, maybe 4-6 at a time depending on how much I'm shooting the II. Just pull the film across the width of the baseplate and eyeball the cut. You can make it a fun little ritual, easily done while sipping a beer with Netflix or an album on. That way there's a stash ready when you are, and you can just grab 'n go without fumbling around on the street. Boom -- just as easy as loading an early M.
Bill Clark
Veteran
I do the same thing. Then I wind the trimmed leader around the outside of the cassette then use a rubber band to hold it until I’m ready to use the film.
