Hi I am a newbie and would like to have some good tips on how to load 4x5 sheets of film into the holders properly.

I have a few questions:

1. Is there a suggested way on how to keep the film in your hand while you are inserting it into the slides of the holder? Do you have to hold it by the side (lengthwise) edges without grabbing the film between your fingertips in any way? Or can you hold the indexed side between your fingertips ? And is "grabbing" the film between your finger tips certainly going to produce finger prints, or does that depend on how clean you hands are? Could you use thin cotton gloves?

3. Is it recommended that the holder is placed onto some surface lying down, while you load it, or should you be holding it with your other hand?

4. I find it quite hard to load film into a "changing bag". Is it normal? Should I try the film loading "tent", or the pop-up (collapsible) film changing room?


Any help much appreciated !!!