Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Guy Bennett <gbennett@lainet.com> wrote: >> Before loading the IIIf or any other screwball Leica, trim the >> film's leader so that the tongue ends between the 21st and >> 22nd sprocket holes. Make sure all sprocket holes are >> closed; if you nick one, just trim the leader back another >> sprocket hole. Once you've done that, the film will drop right >> into the camera; folklore to the contrary notwithstanding, with >> a properly-trimmed film leader the screwmount Leicas are >> the easiest cameras in the world to load. If you don't trim the >> leader, you run the risk of jamming the camera. > > I agree wholeheartedly with the above, but take exception with the > unnaturally high number of sprocket holes mentioned therein. I > always pull out the film leader to show a total of 15 sprocket holes, > then trim 13 of those, using a gently curving cut toward the end, > leaving two sprocket holes in evidence. > > The film always loads with nary a snag. I'm too impatient to count sprocket holes...I just wing it. :-) I aim at doubling the leader length plus a bit extra to be on the safe side. This most definitely makes all the difference when loading an LTM camera. - -Dave- - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html