Finnkare Posted June 6, 2009 Share #1 Posted June 6, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I didn' find a thread quite like this. I might make this a poll if I could, but I don't know how to (if it's even possible). The title is quite self-explanatory. I trust I belong to the vast majority who load their M3 in the "factory-intended" way: with one original spool. The choices I have heard about are: 1) one original spool 2) two or more original spools with ready-loaded films 3) the "M2 quick load kit" (QLK), which somehow works with the M3, I understood 4) the Leica 14260 rapid loading system with a part attaching to the baseplate. I don't actually know if this is the same as the 3) 5) having the loading system redone by a specialist technician 6) other? The disadvantage of 2) is not being able to keep the films safe in their boxes and having to preselect the films you're gonna shoot in order to get advantage, not disadvantage of the extra spools. If I have understood correctly, the 3) and 4) are not all that much faster ways, so maybe not worth the trouble and cost. Someone said that the option 5) cost him/her around 500 dollars. Quite a lot of money, but if one really really loves the M3 and wants to take everything and more out of it, the cost is very relative. And it still is 1/20th of the price of the new Noctilux. What's your choice? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 6, 2009 Posted June 6, 2009 Hi Finnkare, Take a look here How do you load your M3?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andybarton Posted June 6, 2009 Share #2 Posted June 6, 2009 I load my M2 using the original loose take up spool. Never felt the need to spends hundreds on an "improvement" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 6, 2009 Share #3 Posted June 6, 2009 Same here. Not sure what I'd do with the 1.5 seconds I'd save with a 'quick load' system. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted June 6, 2009 Oh yes, the same question could as well be asked of the M2 and maybe even the LTMs (?). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
semrich Posted June 6, 2009 Share #5 Posted June 6, 2009 I never seem to be in that much of a hurry (I like using a slowed down approach with film) so with my vintage gear, M2, M3, and IIIf I load it as it was designed to be loaded. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted June 6, 2009 Share #6 Posted June 6, 2009 Same here, too. I actually like the M3's system, it enables you to have everything set up correctly, and you then just push the film cartridge and the take up spool in together. The only advantage of the quick load system is that you can do a film change with one hand (and hold the camera in the other), which you arguably cannot do with the regular system. I am not a big fan of one hand film changes though. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ismon Posted June 6, 2009 Share #7 Posted June 6, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) What kind of lunatic does that make me, to have had Leica convert my M4 from its rapid load to the old M3 take-up spool system? The spool works, 100%. I never liked the M4,5,6, etc loading. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted June 6, 2009 What kind of lunatic does that make me, to have had Leica convert my M4 from its rapid load to the old M3 take-up spool system? The spool works, 100%. I never liked the M4,5,6, etc loading. That's interesting! And you use only one, regular spool? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ismon Posted June 6, 2009 Share #9 Posted June 6, 2009 Well, I do carry an extra spool in my Benser case (just in case). In 40 years of reloading, I've never dropped or lost a spool. Practice! Practice reloading while running down a flight of stairs in the dark. Practice reloading without looking, without thinkink, until it becomes automatic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacarape Posted June 6, 2009 Share #10 Posted June 6, 2009 I've always lusted for an M2 or M3, but have never seen one si I'm ignorant but curious to the film loading threads. Is it similar to a Contax IIIa which I do have? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted June 7, 2009 Share #11 Posted June 7, 2009 Original spool. Loading and unloading takes almost a whole minute! . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted June 7, 2009 Share #12 Posted June 7, 2009 Original spool. Fast enough for me. I too find it just as easy as or a little easier even than loading my M6. Another such thing that has surprised me is that I find the M3's rewind knob easier to operate than the angled crank ok the later Ms. -Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted June 7, 2009 Share #13 Posted June 7, 2009 Same for me, although I wouldn't convert my M6 to the M3 system, a photographer should be able to handle both systems. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted June 7, 2009 Share #14 Posted June 7, 2009 I think I posted these images some time ago but couldn't find them. Just in case, someone new to M3s is looking up this thread - this is how I load the M3: The film strap should be pushed under the clamp of the spool, until it can be seen under all the holes and the small triangle. The winding direction of the spool is the other way around compared to the film container* * footnote - this is to reduce film curvature Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/87130-how-do-you-load-your-m3/?do=findComment&comment=923791'>More sharing options...
StS Posted June 7, 2009 Share #15 Posted June 7, 2009 The film-and-spool unit is then pushed in the camera body as shown, until the spool clicks in. Theoretically one should cut a longer strap in the film as shown on the diagram of the camera body. I have never bothered to do this and never had any issues so far. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/87130-how-do-you-load-your-m3/?do=findComment&comment=923793'>More sharing options...
StS Posted June 7, 2009 Share #16 Posted June 7, 2009 Two small tricks which can avoid trouble - My suggestion would be to make sure the sprockets of the film transport line up properly with the perforation, as shown. Also, my recommendation would be to put a bit of tension on the film by means of the rewind knob. After closing the backside and re-attaching the bottom plate, the moving red button in the rewind knob should indicate proper film transport, when using the advance lever. This method has not failed me so far. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/87130-how-do-you-load-your-m3/?do=findComment&comment=923797'>More sharing options...
MPerson Posted June 7, 2009 Share #17 Posted June 7, 2009 Original spool - I'm not in a rush. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share #18 Posted June 7, 2009 Theoretically one should cut a longer strap in the film as shown on the diagram of the camera body. I have never bothered to do this and never had any issues so far. This is also interesting. I thought it might spread some parts of the film around the film chamber, but this doesn't seem to be the case, at least with you? Was it originally a precaution or has the film materials got stronger? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted June 7, 2009 Share #19 Posted June 7, 2009 I find that neccesary when loading my IIIf, but not the M3. -Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted June 7, 2009 Author Share #20 Posted June 7, 2009 ^ Wonder if it's a matter of serial number. How late are your bodies, cbretteville and zernikepolynom? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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