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View Full Version : Leotax Elite--how to load film?

Bill58
06-04-2008, 04:36
My beautiful Elite has arrived from Japan via Jiri Ecer (a fine guy), but I can't figure out how to load it. Do you just thread the film behind the shutter to the pickup spool and the latter mechanically "grabs" the film? Can anybody help me?

Thanks,
Bill
xayraa33
06-04-2008, 05:49
It would be like loading any Barnack type bottomloader camera.
pull out the film leader 4" and cut it to that special shape from the film cassette.
Pull out takeup spool from camera and hook up film to it.
insert the whole shebang into the camera.
put bottom plate back on.
wind and fire shutter a few times.
set film counter to zero.
tighten up film slack buy turning rewind knob and it should turn when you wind the film with the advance lever or knob.
furcafe
06-04-2008, 05:49
It should load just like any other "Barnack"-style Leica/copy, i.e., the spool should be removable.

My beautiful Elite has arrived from Japan via Jiri Ecer (a fine guy), but I can't figure out how to load it. Do you just thread the film behind the shutter to the pickup spool and the latter mechanically "grabs" the film? Can anybody help me?

Thanks,
Bill
xayraa33
06-04-2008, 05:54
this video by our Tom A might help you Bill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heMk-4hde9E&feature=related
Bill58
06-04-2008, 05:59
That's my problem! I've never owned a "Barnack style" camera. How does the windup spool come off?

Many thanks, guys.
xayraa33
06-04-2008, 06:01
That's my problem! I've never owned a "Barnack style" camera. How does the windup spool come off?

Many thanks, guys.

pull it out by its end.
you might have to give it a good yank.
Bill58
06-04-2008, 14:52
I got it--indeed it took a good yank and it came off.

Thanks again
Bill58
06-04-2008, 20:57
Loading a Leotax must have been a popular, 1950's, Japanese IQ test and I failed it!
I get everything else, but can't seem to get the film on the sprockets and make it feed properly. Ugh! I'll try again tonite. Do you really have to cut a special leader? It seems the film goes into the slot on the pickup spool and handwinds just fine w/o it.

Bill
xayraa33
06-04-2008, 22:10
Cut that leader to that special bottomloader shape and make sure the film edge holes engages the sprocket teeth as you first wind the advance lever or knob.

good light and eyesight help in observing this.
Bill58
06-04-2008, 22:59
....and three hands.

Thanks,
Bill



Cut that leader to that special bottomloader shape and make sure the film edge holes engages the sprocket teeth as you first wind the advance lever or knob.

good light and eyesight help in observing this.
Mr_Flibble
06-04-2008, 23:16
I've been shooting my IIIa (and a few escaped-from-the-tractor-factory barnacks) for over 3 years now, and this last time I still managed to screw up loading a roll of Kodak Bw400cn....(after I took it out of the camera I even accidently wound the leader back into the casette, d'oh!)

Just saying that there's nothing to be ashamed off, it happens to the best of us ...hehehe.
Bill58
06-08-2008, 02:53
I got the film trimmed and put on the take-up spool. The film advances fine as I cock and fire, but the take-up spool doesn't turn. Do I have a problem?

Thanks,
Bill
xayraa33
06-08-2008, 06:30
I got the film trimmed and put on the take-up spool. The film advances fine as I cock and fire, but the take-up spool doesn't turn. Do I have a problem?

Thanks,
Bill

Does the shaft where the take up spool sits in turn when you advance the film?
ray*j*gun
06-08-2008, 08:08
There is also a great sticky on this forum on how to load a bottom loader........

Ray
Bill58
06-08-2008, 15:14
The shaft and the spool turn when I cock the lever w/o the film attached, but don't with the film attached.


Does the shaft where the take up spool sits in turn when you advance the film?
xayraa33
06-08-2008, 15:52
The shaft and the spool turn when I cock the lever w/o the film attached, but don't with the film attached.

the take up spool shaft has a slip clutch that my need adjusting.

also check to see if the film is pulling out easy from the film cassette and not binding.
Bill58
06-08-2008, 15:59
OK-will do.

Thanks,
Bill





the take up spool shaft has a slip clutch that my need adjusting.

also check to see if the film is pulling out easy from the film cassette and not binding.