Panic with an IXMOO

sanmich · 11-01-2012

So it happened yesterday:
I was at the weeding of a cousin. I had an M6 and two lenses, as well as a few rolls of TX in IXMOOs.
I reached the end of the roll just in the middle of the ceremony, and then I got this horrible sensation: Instead of feeling the advance stuck, I felt a light bump, and then...nothing. No resistance whatsoever.
I knew immediately what it meant (the film just kissed the cassette bye bye), and to make a long story short (you don't know the cold sweat...), I couldn't shoot the rest of the ceremony, and later retrieved the film in crazy maneuvers in a relatively dark back room (expecting at least some good amount of scratches on this one, if it's not also fogged).
Also, a few days before, I had another cassette spool which didn't lock the film (it's a newly acquired cassette lot). This was at the spooling stage, so no harm was done.
So my questions:

Did you gentlemen ever experienced such problems?
Is there some maintenance to be done to the spools, or maybe some special way to cut the film?
How do you make sure a problem that mundane but causing so much trouble doesn't happen? (except having, always, always, always!! a backup camera

)

Thanks!

Pioneer · 11-01-2012

Never had it happen with an IXMOO but have experienced the problem with my Zeiss Contax cassettes, which are similar.

I usually tape mine down to make sure they stay in place now. I also pack my little changing bag on my trips if all I am using reloadable cassettes. It does not take up much room but it can be a lifesaver if I need even just once.

I certainly can feel your pain. I have also had the problem with normal reloadable cassettes so I suspect it can happen to anyone who uses reloadables, no matter what type of cassette you are using.

k__43 · 11-01-2012

I usually cut as suggested by Leica: a little triangle shape.

Anyway I had this problem once, no harm done since it was not important and I could take out the take up spool of my M2 at home in the dark.

Since then I changed three things:
- I bought a daylight loader that works with IXMOOs
- I check the IXMOO spool for remains of film and removed the very last particle I find (sometimes I even have to unlock those screws to get all out)
- I pull very hard to be sure the teeth have really bitten into the film and hold on to it.

Travis L. · 11-01-2012

This isn't an answer to your question, but how are you using IXMOO's with an M6? Modified baseplate, or just using a baseplate off an older M?

When I spool my own film (IXMOO or not) I use a piece of scotch tape to secure the film to the spool. I've never had one slip loose.

k__43 · 11-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis L.

This isn't an answer to your question, but how are you using IXMOO's with an M6? Modified baseplate, or just using a baseplate off an older M?

I've no M6, but used one of a friend .. his baseplate has the notch for IXMOOs. I guess early M6s still have this feature

I'm going to buy one really soon and I hope that I get one with a IXMOO compatible baseplate

Jockos · 11-01-2012

This happened to me once, with a regular casette but never ith an IXMOO.

The real question is: why did you only bring one camera to the wedding?

maggieo · 11-01-2012

I just realized that "IXMOO" would be an awesome Swedish technopop band name!

sanmich · 11-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis L.

This isn't an answer to your question, but how are you using IXMOO's with an M6? Modified baseplate, or just using a baseplate off an older M?

I'm using an M2 baseplate on the M6.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jockos

This happened to me once, with a regular casette but never ith an IXMOO.

The real question is: why did you only bring one camera to the wedding?

I know, I know...
Did I mentioned that....

Tom A · 11-01-2012

When you load the IXMOO always check that the "arrow" shaped end protrudes through the center spool. You can feel the "pointed" end sticking out a couple of millimeters. Also double check by pulling the film and you should feel the resistance. The IXMOO center spool has a pair of spring-loaded bars that engage the film when you push it in and if you try to pull it back, it will just grab it harder!
I also recommend that you use the arrow shaped system, if you ever want to get the small piece of film out, after you have torn off the part that is going on the developing reel. Try to pull it out "backwards" is next to impossible. Just grab the small point sticking out on the spool and pull it through (front teeth works well as a "tweezer).
I have had IXMOO's popping a film loose - but that has usually been a torn or ripped film. Cant remember the last time the locking "bars" have let go.
When in doubt - use 1" "gaffers" tape as that works well. Just finished loading 80 Nikon Rf cassettes with TriX - and as Nikon used a bewildering array of center spools - I simply tape the film to the spool. With the IXMOO's though - I do cut the arrow and use the "center lock" as I find it less messy than tape.

dufffader · 11-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis L.

This isn't an answer to your question, but how are you using IXMOO's with an M6? Modified baseplate, or just using a baseplate off an older M?

When I spool my own film (IXMOO or not) I use a piece of scotch tape to secure the film to the spool. I've never had one slip loose.

I believe an M6 classic has the IXMOO compatible baseplate. Not the TTL and above.

I've had the film separate from the cassette, but not an an IXMOO. I find that the teeth that holds the film pretty strong and well made on the dozen or so IXMOOs that I have. It also helps to give it a little tug when you insert the V-shaped end into the slot to make sure it holds properly.

Tried taping the end to the spool, but eventually went back to the V-shape end. I find that after a while I don't crave an expensive ABLON anymore. I just fold the end into half width-wise so I know where the midpoint is, and I just cut it with a scissors into a "V". I never get it perfect, but it is good enough. Then give it a pull to make sure it engages, then proceed winding it 38-40 turns.

buzzardkid · 11-01-2012

Lotsa good advice here, I guess these things happen with home-spooled film every now and then...

Here's hoping that the shots will come out fine!

Happy shooting!

ChrisLivsey · 11-02-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis L.

This isn't an answer to your question, but how are you using IXMOO's with an M6? Modified baseplate, or just using a baseplate off an older M?

Early M6s had the "correct" baseplate up to around #2 100 xxx. The fly in the ointment is the new MP, and M7, where the body will not accept the IXMOO so a base plate swop is useless.

Rangefinderfreak · 11-02-2012

Next thing, Tom that you design and produce is a tool to make the "V" to the film end in total darkness...

sanmich · 11-02-2012

Thanks all to the answers! really helps...

epilogue:

The one spool that wouldn't lock was defective. It is the grey spool and it was lacking a small circular flat spring that apparently pushes the small locking rod that was rattling badly, apparently releasing the film when moved back and forth. I opened it, and glued a small piece of film under it. It's moving much less, and now locks properly the film.

About the spool that let me down in the wedding, It seems ok. I probably didn't fixed the film as I should have, or maybe didn't cut it the right way.

From now on, I will cut the film using the folding in the middle method (thanks). and I will pull hard enough on the film after inserting it to the spool to make sure the small teeth on the rod "bite" in the film.

and now to the next IXMOO question...

Rangefinderfreak · 11-02-2012

I tried the folding end method and it worked great ! Ten IXMOO`s loaded in a breeze.