dagabel
Established
Hi All,
I just acquired a Watson bulk loader, with no manual. I couldn't really find anything definitive on-line, either. It looks pretty intuitive, but before I accidentally ruin my first 100' roll of film, could anyone tell me if my assumptions are correct?
1. Load the film on the spindle in a changing bag. Pull film through the opening towards the sprockets; enough to attach to the cartridge.
2. Screw the top back on and close the gate (it kind of looks like this would "pinch" the film - is this the step where the Watsons are known for wasting a few frames?).
3. Take the loader out of the changing bag. Attach the film to the cartridge (I'll be using the leftover One-Hour-Photo cartridge technique).
4. Close the light-tight lid, open the gate, and roll away.
I appreciate any feedback on this basic question - thanks!
Duane
I just acquired a Watson bulk loader, with no manual. I couldn't really find anything definitive on-line, either. It looks pretty intuitive, but before I accidentally ruin my first 100' roll of film, could anyone tell me if my assumptions are correct?
1. Load the film on the spindle in a changing bag. Pull film through the opening towards the sprockets; enough to attach to the cartridge.
2. Screw the top back on and close the gate (it kind of looks like this would "pinch" the film - is this the step where the Watsons are known for wasting a few frames?).
3. Take the loader out of the changing bag. Attach the film to the cartridge (I'll be using the leftover One-Hour-Photo cartridge technique).
4. Close the light-tight lid, open the gate, and roll away.
I appreciate any feedback on this basic question - thanks!
Duane
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
You just wrote the instruction manual. PDF it and yer set.
clogz
Newbie
That is indeed the correct procedure. Don't forget that the first and last 2 or 3 frames cannot be used. I sometimes make that mistake myself.
dagabel
Established
Thanks - I appreciate it!
Duane
Duane
Flyfisher Tom
Well-known
You've got it 
Do remember to always check the gate to make sure if it is closed or open, as forcing it can lightly scratch your film if it is closed.
Do remember to always check the gate to make sure if it is closed or open, as forcing it can lightly scratch your film if it is closed.
Xmas
Veteran
When you have finished loading then you need to close the gate before attempting to force open the top.
If you are using concentric cassettes you also need to close the cassette before opening the top cover.
Noel
If you are using concentric cassettes you also need to close the cassette before opening the top cover.
Noel
rncamero
Established
At times I still forget to check the gate on my Watson
The counter on mine has never really worked, is this common with Watson loaders? I've just learned to count rotations...
The counter on mine has never really worked, is this common with Watson loaders? I've just learned to count rotations...
Xmas
Veteran
RN...
Which Watson do you have all mine are ok, used to have three.
Noel
Which Watson do you have all mine are ok, used to have three.
Noel
rncamero
Established
Hi Noel,
The one I have is the Pfaff version - I'm a week or so away from buying a can of film, so I haven't tried to troubleshoot it lately. I do think the film's sprockets holes aren't staying aligned with the counter axle. The metal clip that click's against the counter could be a bit tight too.
Raymond
The one I have is the Pfaff version - I'm a week or so away from buying a can of film, so I haven't tried to troubleshoot it lately. I do think the film's sprockets holes aren't staying aligned with the counter axle. The metal clip that click's against the counter could be a bit tight too.
Raymond
dagabel
Established
Thanks again, everyone - I'll try to let you know how it turns out!
Duane
Duane
BILLC
Established
Hi Duane,
I got tired of losing the last shots on a roll so when I load a cassette I tape the film with about 1" sticking out and then put the cassette together before pulling it any futher out. I then turn out the lights and open the film gate and put the cassette in the crank slot and close it up. With the lights on I wind on the film, 28 clicks gives me the 24 roll I like, close the gate then open up and cut about 1" from the film gate.
Repeat
I have 4 watsons loaded with pan f, tmax 100, tmax 400, and empty of tri x.
Bill
I got tired of losing the last shots on a roll so when I load a cassette I tape the film with about 1" sticking out and then put the cassette together before pulling it any futher out. I then turn out the lights and open the film gate and put the cassette in the crank slot and close it up. With the lights on I wind on the film, 28 clicks gives me the 24 roll I like, close the gate then open up and cut about 1" from the film gate.
Repeat
I have 4 watsons loaded with pan f, tmax 100, tmax 400, and empty of tri x.
Bill
dagabel
Established
Thanks, Bill, and again everyone else for your advice. I finally got my 100' roll of Arista EDU Ultra 100 and just tonight loaded 19 cassettes of ~30 frames each. Bill, I used your technique of leaving only an inch or so outside the gate. Then I actually rolled each cassette in the changing bag. On one of them I slipped out of my Zen concentration and kept the gate closed :bang: ; I'll use that one for test exposures!
Even worse, however - on the last one I wound the end of the film right into the cassette. What's frustrating is that I had an intuitive feeling that would be the last cassette, and I was trying to be careful!
But, it was fun, and it's a great feeling to be mostly in control of the analog process from start to finish.
Duane
Even worse, however - on the last one I wound the end of the film right into the cassette. What's frustrating is that I had an intuitive feeling that would be the last cassette, and I was trying to be careful!
But, it was fun, and it's a great feeling to be mostly in control of the analog process from start to finish.
Duane
Bob Helmond
Member
40 years with my Watson
40 years with my Watson
Your intuition is correct. I would only add that watching a frame counter on a camera is sometimes very iconvenient or impossible. (Does/can a marine gunner always count rounds?)
I've always loaded magazines in total darkness. The zen experience of being alone in the dark for a half hour, counting the "clicks," has always been a welcome relief and respite.
Takes a little practice, but well worth it for not losing that great shot at the end of the roll.
40 years with my Watson
Your intuition is correct. I would only add that watching a frame counter on a camera is sometimes very iconvenient or impossible. (Does/can a marine gunner always count rounds?)
I've always loaded magazines in total darkness. The zen experience of being alone in the dark for a half hour, counting the "clicks," has always been a welcome relief and respite.
Takes a little practice, but well worth it for not losing that great shot at the end of the roll.