I bulk load. It's very easy. The most tedious part is trimming the leader after the film is loaded. I tried using a roll without trimming, and the camera I used (a Contax ST) did not want to accept it. Trimming is no bid deal, though.
One potential hazard with bulk loading is failure to attach the film to the spool securely. If advancing the film causes it to break loose from the canister, you better have a changing bag or darkroom handy. :/ I use bits of black masking tape. I use a piece long enough to wrap around the spool, and leave about a 3/4" unaffixed tab of tape on each side of the spool, making an elongated C-shape around the spool. I then position the film (trimmed square) into the space between the tape tabs, and pinch the tape onto the film. If you intend to process the film yourself, and use spool tanks, resist the temptation to load more than 36 exposures. The film might be too long to load onto the spool. I like the older Bakelite loaders, but the injection molded thermoplastic ones probably work just as well. IIRC, my Bakelite loader is a "Watson" brand, made by Burke and James (presumably the same B&J that made the view camera). Aric > -----Original Message----- > From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2004 11:06 AM > To: PDML > Subject: Bulk Film Loader Ques > > > Been thinking about getting a bulk film loader. Is anyone > still using these things. Which brands are considered > better? I'd want a very good quality loader and don't mind > paying a little extra for it. >
