Question about putting in INfrared film

[Alan]

from what i have read, I have to load the film and unload the film in complete darkness. I know a changing back can be used but I don't think i can load the film blindfolded. I'm concern about damaging the shutter by accidentally touching it.
any pointers here? Thanks

[Honu-Hugger]

Alan,
I understand your concern but believe you will do just fine. To build confidence sacrifice a roll of inexpensive film for practice. Go through the entire process in advance without looking as much as possible, in the daylight where you can see when you need to. Keep practicing until you can do it correctly without looking at all. Then you will be ready for the dark or the changing bag.

I have become so comfortable with the changing bag that I no longer rewind my film unless I have to in the field to replace a roll. At home I load film directly from the takeup spool in the camera to the developing reel, all in the changing bag. This lessens the chance of scratching the film during rewinding.

Good luck with your infrared; it's fun film to shoot and well worth the effort.

[SolaresLarrave]

I have some rolls of EIR in the fridge and did exactly what Honu-hugger recommends: I grabbed a roll of film to practice how to load the camera in the dark, only I did it without looking at it, under light, in my studio, eyes pointing upwards or anywhere else except to the camera, so as to build confidence and learn to feel the process. I can load my camera in the dark (let me practice first) now!

I wonder what my wife would have thought of me if she had seen me loading the camera that way... Probably she would have been delicate enough not to say anything.

[Alan]

Is there anyway I can protect the shutter while practicing?
my main concern is touching the shutter accidentally.