Loading M3

[Howard Sanner <70357.3471@compuserve.com>]

   Well, I've owned an M3 for about two weeks now, and as of today loaded the 
fourth or fifth roll of film. I find it at least as easy to load as my Nikon 
F. Here's how I do it.

   First, you don't have to cut the film special for the M3; it handles the 
modern "tongue" on 35mm film just fine.

   Remove the bottom & stash it somewhere. Remove the takeup spool. Take the 
film out of its cannister. Hold the takeup spool in your left hand with the 
arrow (on the clip that holds the film) at the bottom and the film in your 
right with the emulsion side facing you. Feed film into the clip on the 
takeup spool, straight edge (i.e., the one closest to the sprocket holes) 
next to the flange. Keep working it into the clip until you can see emulsion 
through all the holes that comprise the arrow. Hold the takeup spool over its 
hole in the camera body. Pull on the film cassette until it is over its hole. 
Drop the cassette and spool into the body. A little wiggling will get the 
film in place. Open the camera back & ensure that the sprocket holes have 
engaged the sprockets. Close the back, put the bottom back on, and start 
taking pictures.

   Avoid putting any pressure on the film through the door in the back of the 
camera. This area is right over the shutter curtains, which deserve gentle 
treatment.

   Good luck.

                                       Howard Sanner
                                       70537.3471@compuserve.com