35mm leader tab cutter

Last time I looked Porter's camera had them and so did Freestyle.

If you know the shape, you can make one out of a piece of sheet metal. I recall reading some months ago about somebody who made one out of a door hinge.

I always found a simple diagonal slice with a pair of scissors worked perfectly.

Why? A pair of scissors works just a s well. It doesn't have to be perfect.

I have a template for a leica leader tool. I got it on the web and will post it if anyone can tell me how to do it.

If you use bottom loader cameras you need this template or else camera will jam.

I guess I figured how to post it.when you cut the taper, make sure you don't cut through a hole.

Cheers Michael

Directions for using the template: Note these features particularly: 1. The leader is cut approximately 110 mm long. 2. The leader is cut to a width of 22 mm. 3. The leader is cut with a radius edge between the sprocket holes.

The importance of item three cannot be overstated. You must avoid providing a sharp corner to catch in the film advance mechanism. Small shards of film will inevitably work themselves into some inaccessable gear train leading to expensive repairs.

You can make this shape perfectly with a sharp pair of scissors. It's really not a problem.

I've been shooting bulk BW since 1983 and have never done anything but cut them freehand with scissors or knife with a cut like Bob said if misplaced the scissors. If you need a template I think you been spending too much time watching Martha.

WT Ive been loading bulk since '72 and have cut as you said but the Leica and other bottom loaders are a problem. If they aren't cut properly the film can jam and rip up the curtain. At best if it doesn't rip the curtain, it can be a mess to get the torn film out of the camera. I disagree with you and Robert in the case of a bottom loader. That is why Leica came out with the leader template. Hence, I have the template.

I can see where Michal is right regarding precisely cut leaders for bottom loaders. The last thing you need is a sharp edge hanging up in there and making a big mess. I've used a few bottom loaders in my time, so I'm familiar with the design. But I've also never had a problem using factory loads without modifications in these cameras. I've had a lot pf practice using bulk film too and can cut an accurate enough standard leader freehand with a small and very sharp pair of scissors.

Ok, my apologies for the flippant remark. I don't know much about Leicas other than I can't afford, and I tried unsuccesfully to get a factory tour while visiting Wetzlar in 1992. Did get to look in the lobby though! Tom

Frank, I tried loading one of my feds with store boughten ( as we say in South Carolina;-) film and I chopped up the leader doing it. Yet in the 70s when using preloaded cassettes I didn't have a problem. Senility creeping in, perhaps? The main reason I brought up the leader template is that newbies to bottom loader cameras could pull their hair out with it. I too learned to cut leaders freehand and for a normal loading camera there is much leeway to it as you can guide the film into the take up spool and see what you are doing. In bottom loaders you are blind, as far as seeing the leader. WT, pick up a FED 1, 1C, 2, or 2C. Those are bottom loaders and will give you the feel of the Leica and for just a few bucks. They can be fun to play with and loaded with B&W film and an 85mm lens are perfect low light cameras; being relatively inconspicuous and silent. I used to take my Canon into NYC bars and do grab shots and no one ever noticed or if they did, never objected. They are truly pocket cameras! The lobby is closer than I ever got! Michael

OOOOPS, sorry about that, I meant Zorkii, not Fed. The FED's back opens to load. The Zorkii after the 3 use back load. The difference between 1 & 1C and 2 and 2C is that the C models have flash sync, same for the 3 & 3C but the 4s and above all are synced. Michael

Michael, I just might do that with the Fed...I have a Rollei 35SE, but I don't believe that qualifies as "bottom loading" since the whole back comes off. (The only cameras I have had trouble with bulk loaders are a T-90 and the Rollei) I've got a South Carolina photogrpahy story for you (I was born in Anderson and lived in mainly SC until I was 23)....in 1981 or so I lived in small town SC (Clinton), and went into the local dimestore. I think it was TG&Y or something, which is now gone...anyway they had fresh dated Kodachrome 64-36exp for something obscene like $1.65 a roll, it was clearly priced wrong, I bought up all they had at the time, 10-12 rolls. Of course it was covered in dust. Regards, Tom

Yeah, WT, Clinton isn't too far from me, here in Columbia. I bet you know where that is, right?

They may have priced it that low because no one was buying it. I bet you were the only photographer in Clinton. LOL I know, a lot of people used it for snap shots of family, etc.

Be sure to get the Zorkii for bottom loader and not the FED. I have both and love the size of the earliest models. You can palm them like Shaq can a basketball.

For about $25.00 you can have a blast , especially if you process your own.

Have fun Michael

FWIW - the early models of FED and Zorki are both direct copies of the Leica II of 1937 or so. Both of the "1" series are bottom loaders and yes... fun to shoot. I regularly use a Zorki 1d and a 1e. Both are great.

PS _ Michael ... back in the 60s and 70s the leader WAS longer. It's not you age (nor mine!)

Rick in So MD

Thanks, Rick I was beginning to wonder if I came off the drugs too early or maybe not early enough?

I know I butchered a roll of tmax trying to get it in the silly camera. I finally did it though. I guess miracles will never cease. Michael in SC