Re: [Leica] Loading LTM

["Dave Stratton" <stratton@gci.net>]

>>>>>>>>>>>>
Doug wrote

I've heard mention of some "trick" whereby you don't have to cut the
leader when loading a thread mount Leica, and I was wondering if it might
work as well with my Canon IVSB.  Anyone familiar with this?

Douglas Cooper

>>>>>>>>>>>

Doug

I went through about the same thing you are going through.  I will give you
my solution.  This is not a recommendation...only my solution.  I have both
a iiib and iiic, as well as several other cameras(SLR).  I find that my
loaded film works with all my cameras...to include the iiib and iiic.

I cut my film to approximately duplicate how a purchased roll is cut when I
roll my own, and to the purchased film ,as well as my roll your own, I place
a small peice of scotch tape (~ 1/4 in of tape on the top and under side of
the end of the film.  This small piece of tape seems not to interfere with
the loading of any of my cameras.  When loading the iiib and iiic the tape
gives the an extra bite for the take-up real.

When loading,  expose enough film to just allow the two film spools to be
placed in the camera...plus just a tad more.  This little bit more will
allow you to place the film to the back of the camera...a position
furthermost from the sprocket teeth.  If you GENTLY push the spools into
position (not forcing),  with slight movement as necessary, you will find
that the film will easily slip past the sprockets and into place....A least
this is how it works with my two cameras.

Then upon closing one take-up shot...a gentle tightening of the
rewind...then one more take-up shot, watching the rewind lever for movement.

The end result should be the smooth loading of the film, and the assurance
that the film is properly engaged in the camera.

This method precludes the need to watch through the shutter to see that the
film is in-fact engaged with the camera.

Dave