Re: [Leica] Re: Screw-mount Leicas

[TTAbrahams@aol.com]

Jem wrote:
>This sounds like a job for Leica 'Tinsmith' extraordinaire, Tom Abrahamsson,
>surely?
>Tom?

DonjR43198@aol.com wrote:
>> I have a Leitz film leader trim template that I will be happy to trace so 
you
>> may use it as a pattern for a tinsmith to follow in making up one for
> >yourself.

Ah, the elusive and collectible ABLON template. It is not necessary to use it 
to cut the film, but it does simplify the operation for the occasional user. 
It is a hinged piece of metal with small dents on the edge to register the 
sprockets. You can then cut the leader the proper way and one version had the 
trim for the arrowshaped film end that is gripped by the spring loaded 
centrespool. If there is sufficient demand for something like that it could 
be manufactured, but it is something that is fairly easy to find, either as a 
Leica original or one of a multitude of aftermarket items. Personally I 
always found that it takes too long to use - particularly if you are loading 
60-70 of the Leica cassettes. I use the “free-hand “method in the darkness 
for the arrowshaped end and, once loaded I trim the leader in daylight. This 
is easy to do, but remember to avoid cutting through a sprockethole as it 
will have a tendency to jam up in the advance - always cut the leader so that 
the edge is smooth.
 When you remove the film from the cassette, cut or rip the film as close to 
the center spool as you can, the arrow should be shaped so that you can pull 
it through the springlock in the centerspool (tweezers work fine). If you try 
to pull it out “backwards” it can damage the springlock.
 Films with estherbase (Tech Pan, some Infrared emulsions and others) are 
virtually impossible to rip off and keep the scissors handy for these. I am 
just shooting some FomoPan T-200 in a couple of bodies and loaded the 
cassettes a couple of days ago. Pulling the film out from the spool as far as 
I can stretch my arms I get 38 exposures, I then trim the arrow, attach it to 
the centerspool, roll it up and stick it into the cassette, leave 2-3” 
outside and trim the leader. Only tool is a brass post with a slot cut in the 
end that can be used to roll the spool with and a pair of sharp scissors. 
Takes 10-12 minutes to do 18 rolls.
The cassettes are heavy though, ten of these in the pocket will make you list 
somewhat!
Keep shooting,
Tom A