[Leica] Re: Loading the film

["Aubin" <aubin@aa.net>]

Greetings,

As one who has been using the M6 for about 1-1/2 years now, 
I still struggle with the film loading.

I have found that the blind faith "drop it in  and go" approach 
works only when I have all the time in the world to load the 
camera, such as when photographing architectural or scenic 
subjects. 

I use Fuji chromes, Kodak Print, and Ilford B&W films, and can 
say that the Ilford Delta and Chromogenic films always go right 
in and load, the Fuji films usually do this, Astia always, Velvia 
mostly, and the Kodak films are about 50-50, the Chromogenic 
and Royal Gold films being almost impossible to get right the 
first time.

This may be statistically meaningless,  but I have found the 
behavior to be as indicated after putting several hundred rolls 
through.  I won't speculate as to whether it's film thickness, 
shape of the leader, surface smoothness of the leader, or just 
the frame of mind I'm in using these films at those times.

I have found that if I take the second or two extra to make sure 
the film sprocket holes are aligned with the camera sprockets, 
there is no failure to load and advance, but if I just plop it in, it's 
an act of faith that is usually rewarded, but not always.

I accept the advice to drop it in and trust, so that is my usual 
practice, but occasionally I just have to go back and re-do it.  
This is accepted by me as part of the idiosynchracies of the 
camera, its not a complaint.  If I was doing critical work where 
the camera must be loaded at all times to get the money shots, 
I'd carry a second or third body, and reload off the clock.  

Maybe after a few thousand rolls of film the camera will get 
broken in and function the way its expected to, or maybe the 
little crimping wheel in the base needs tightening to pull the 
prongs together tighter; I'll give it a few thousand more rolls 
and then start to think about having it looked at.

Take care,

Norm