[Leica] Re: LUG Digest, Vol 30, Issue 334

[john at scocca.org (John Scocca)]

Hi David-

first, the end of the film needs to be trimmed - Leica screw mounts 
need a longer leader than is commonly provided on film.  If you look on 
the base plate, there is a mini-tutorial on loading the camera with the 
properr shape of the end shown. .You can also find the template in some 
of the links that others have already posted.

I found that the key issue was getting the end of the film properly 
inserted into the take-up spool.  The spring that holds the film is 
stiff, and one must work the film end well under it to ensure that it 
stays put.  If necessary, use a thumbnail to pry the spring slightly 
away from the spool body.  The first part of the spring (displaced from 
the spool surface) is not enough to hold the film.  It is necessary to 
work the film under the main body of the spring far enough (about one 
hole's worth) to keep it  firmly seated and square to the flange.  For 
me, getting the film  well under the spring  was the key.  If this is 
done properly,  the rest is easy and it is not necessary to wind lots 
of film around the spindle.

good luck- they are great cameras.

cheers
John Scocca

On Sep 11, 2005, at 8:26 AM,
> Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 22:34:41 -0400
> From: David Cochran <cochranpr@mac.com>
> Subject: [Leica] New to the group
> To: lug@leica-users.org
> Message-ID: <55836d704c323f40f1b5df8c3cbe166e@mac.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
> Hi all. I just subscribed to the LUG. I currently live in Puerto Rico
> and own a Leica IIIf.
>
> My intention to join this group is to see photos from Leica users and
> to get answers to Leica questions.
> My first question has to do with loading the film. I have tried it and
> can't get the film to wind. It is slipping.It does not catch.
>
> I hope there is help around....
>
> peace
>
>
> David