Load A Leica Bottom-Loader!

[paulfish4570]

thanks, Greg. that will do.

[rodfelici]

I live in Italy. Here, a very expert repairman showed me the perfect way to load my Zorki I (or for all the bottom loading Leica).
You have to insert the film, then set the shutter lever like as you just closed the bottom. Unscrew the lens. Set the time B and open the curtains. Through the curtains, you will see the film. Eventually adjusst the film vertically with your finger. Mark the frame with an "x", with a soft point marker keeping pressed the button, then release.
Advance one frame. If there is no more the sign, the film has been loaded correctly, and you wasted only two frame.
It is really a perfect way to load, and a precious ssuggestion. I was almost throwing my Zorki because I lost a couple of rolls that I loaded in a wrong way before those instruction.
To cut the film is no more necessary according to him. He told me that it was necessary (for some reason) only with the old film, that was really tiny.

[Thomas78]

I, personally, think it is much easyer & safer to just cut the film in the right way at home where I can take my time. It only take between 30 and 60 s and it saves me the hassle in the field.

[wallace]

Originally Posted by Thomas78

I, personally, think it is much easyer & safer to just cut the film in the right way at home where I can take my time. It only take between 30 and 60 s and it saves me the hassle in the field.

you can't beat that argument! I always do that with my IIf.