Realist film-loading question

[P3D Dave Worrell <dworrell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert Linnstaedt> I want to pose an idea to
>Realist-equipped colleagues:
>To attach a length of scrap film to the fresh film,
>so that no usable film is wasted for a leader.
<snip>
>I would rather hear your responses before proceeding.

I wouldn't bother - film is cheap ... compared to the cost of a
missed photograph due do incorrect loading. I would worry about
the tape slipping, misaligned sprockets and the potential for
jamming on rewind. Really, the cost of a few frames of film is
negligible (I shoot sensia 100/36 from costco at about five
bucks a roll, and process at local custom lab for seven - a
total of 12/roll (not including mounting supplies). Here is a
true story: Years ago, (1981) when I graduated from High School,
I gave my father (a good photographer) my brand new AE-1 to take
pictures. He didn't get the film loaded quite right and sure
enough it wasn't advancing. We wound up with a blank roll. Since
that day I have always _MADE SURE_ that the film was loaded and
advancing. I don't like micro-auto-everything-cameras because
I'm never quite convinced they're really loading.

So, the first few times I loaded my realist (thanks Dr.T!) I
followed the instructions in the manual. I even trimmed the film
to make a long leader. Big hassle, quite a waste of film.

Now I just thread the film with the advance button pushed (to
free the sprocket), slip the end into the take-up spool, advance
till I have 1 wrap, put the back on, advance three frames and
start shooting. No hassle, very little waste. (YMMV)

Works for me, and I haven't lost a roll yet!

Dave Worrell (dworrell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Publications Technician
State of Alaska
Section of Epidemiology


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