Watson Bulk Loader

[dagabel]

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

 

[Trius]

You just wrote the instruction manual. PDF it and yer set.

 

[clogz]

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]

Thanks - I appreciate it!

Duane

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

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.

 

[Xmas]

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

 

[rncamero]

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...

 

[Xmas]

RN...
Which Watson do you have all mine are ok, used to have three.
Noel

 

[rncamero]

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

 

[dagabel]

Thanks again, everyone - I'll try to let you know how it turns out!

Duane

 

[BILLC]

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

 

[dagabel]

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

 

[Bob Helmond]

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.