Re: IIIf Loading

[Nick Hunter <nhunter1@mindspring.com>]

Gary:

You probably know but in case you don't, and everyone who knows forgets to
mention it, the film leaders of the IIIf's day were cut longer. When I was
using my IIIf, I would lengthen the leader to 4-5" by scissor. Leica made a
template for this at one time, but I think the're pretty rare. Not hard to
do freehand if you want to try this. The longer leader won't catch on the
shutter, and will pull across smoothly.

Now I'm sure a REAL LUGNUT can load a LSM camera with short leader, but if
you like the "conversation piece" value of you old camera, imagine the
attention you'll get when people see you sculpting your film ends!

Nick Hunter








>Hi Folks
>Its me with my new old IIIf again... (my garage sale find of the year)
>Im just wondering.. is there a trick to loading this camera that I am
>overlooking?
>Would lightly peening the metal film catch flap on the take up spool.. hold
>the leader better?- like mabe over the years its opened slightly and doesnt
>hold the film as tight.? I have been setting the shutter to Bulb and then
>holding it open so I can guild the film in more effectivly .. was there a
>more effective quicker way? Or perhaps an aftermarket spool of better
>design..? Thanks
>Input Stephanie Input!!!!
>Gary