Loading film – best way to orient the holder?

[E. von Hoegh]

It remains, of course, for Emil to follow-up & tell us which is his preferred orientation over his head, but I already suspect he’s talented enough to select the “ambi-orientational” option…

Sorry, I'm ambidextrous with shotguns, rifles, and not much else. I can also write normally with my right hand while simultaneously writing backwards with my left hand, if that counts for anything.

[Zaitz]

So am I the only idiot that pulls the darkslides completely out? Probably would make things easier leaving it in a fair ways. Don't know why I didn't think of that since I started LF. Have been pulling them all out and leaving them on the side until the film is loaded. Otherwise vertical, holder in left hand flap held with left fingers, film in right hand.

[BrianShaw]

So am I the only idiot that pulls the darkslides completely out?

No, you are not the only one. I dop that when I pull too hard.

[Leigh]

I think everybody pulls the slides completely out to do a white/black reversal and clean the holder.

- Leigh

[Zaitz]

No I mean when loading them. I take them all out and stack them next to me.

[Leigh]

As long as you put them all back in the holders before you turn the lights on, that works.

- Leigh

[Zaitz]

As long as you put them all back in the holders before you turn the lights on, that works.

- Leigh

So far so good there! I triple check that sort of thing. Loading holders is about the only thing I don't like with large format. For some reason I load 8x10 easier as well. Some of my 4x5 holders must have bent guides on the side because it is finnicky to get the film in.

Another thing is that I am quickly changing my opinion on new film holders. I used to think I would never buy them but after a few problems with small light leaks and troublesome old holders I am beginning to think new may be the best route. I don't have any confidence in leaving a loaded holder out in any sort of light. They are packed away until I use them.

[Leigh]

I've only purchased 12 brand new holders, the rest were all excellent used modern holders.

I agree about leaving holders out in the light; I never do that.

- Leigh

[Chris Strobel]

For my 8x10 loading, I do it at night in the bathroom. First turn on the hot shower and let it steam up for about 5 min. Then let the steam evaporate some. Then slip on some powder free nitrol gloves which keep the finger prints off and make handling the film easier. Then put my stack of film holders on a small table next to tub. Then it's lights out and I sit on edge of tub. I take each film holder and hold it with my knees flaps up obviously, and load away.

[Heroique]

...I sit on edge of tub. I take each film holder and hold it with my knees flaps up obviously, and load away.

This is as good as Emil’s above-the-head method!

;^)