I just got a beautiful 1956 Montiflex but haven't used medium format at all, so don't even know how to load the film! Can someone please help me with some basics to get me started? I'm really dying to go out and start playing with this camera!!!
Thanks guys
I just got a beautiful 1956 Montiflex but haven't used medium format at all, so don't even know how to load the film! Can someone please help me with some basics to get me started? I'm really dying to go out and start playing with this camera!!!
Thanks guys
Yeah, use "google" or go to your local camera shop.
Start in a fairly dark room. Unwrap a little from the roll and put the roll in the camera on the opposite side of the film advance knob so the film side is up. Take out the spindle that should be in the camera and wrap the lose end through and around it. Wrap it around a couple times so it doesn't slip. Put the spindle back in the camera. It should seat into the advance knob. Close the cover and advance the film until you see a 1. and you are ready to go.
Important! your camera may not have double exposure prevention so you'll have to remember to advance your film after each shot!
I've got a 1939 Balda 6x9. Very fun to play with. Welcome to the MF world!
Have fun!
Edit to add, when you are done with the roll, the spindle from the new roll gets moved to the other side of the camera and re-used. That part got me the first time I finished a roll. The spindle that was in the camera to start goes to the developer with the film.
Expect to waste the first roll of film in the practice of loading.
If you don't have a light meter, I suspect you may need one.
Good advice, B&W is cheaper so use B&W for the first few rolls as there is a learning curve.
I was mostly successful my first attempt loading, except I took three pictures before I actually got to the film (I didn't advance it far enough...) The first time unloading it I just took it to the camera shop and said HELP!
Tip: You can use your digital camera as a light meter if you'll be carrying both.
Hey thanks guys!!! You've been very helpful, I'm going to have my first play today. It's raining and it's gray (usual London) so I'm hoping to get some moody images... cheers!!!
