Re: Loading the Realist

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Loading the Realist?  What is the big deal???  I loaded film in my first
Realist in 1988 without any instructions and without any knowledge of 
"white dots" or such and still do the same thing and it works.

>>Trim the sprocket holes from the top edge of the film, about 1 or 2 
>>inches worth, so you can get the leader into the take up slot without 
>>hassling with the sprocket wheel.
>
>Thanks for your suggestion! I have been doing this..., and [problems]
>Anybody got any ideas?

Yes, I have an idea:  Stop doing it!  Don't trim the film.  The white
dot etc. was a way to load the film when the leader was too long 
and had to close the back before the film got under the sprocket wheel.
Now that the leader is longer you don't need to worry about white
dots because you can see the film getting under the guard and that
made loading the Realist MUCH EASIER!

1.  Set dial in "R" (Rewind) Ignore white dots... Place film canister at 
left.  Pull leader.  Pass film leader under top-center guard and sprocket
wheel (this rotates freely) to pick-up spool at right.

2.  Close back.  Switch to "A" (Advance) and advance until you hear the
"click".  Advance two more times.  Set frame counter to 1.  Ready to go.

Never had any problem with any Realist (and I have loaded dozens of them...
I do it on a routine basis in all the Realist that go through my hands).
I know that BobH does not like this method because it might result in the
loss of one frame but it is the simplest and most intuitive.

George Themelis


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