How to Load Film in a Rollei TLR
Rollieflex cameras are a line of high-end, medium-format twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras. The various models produced use film that ranges from 35 mm to 70 mm and larger formats. Famous for their compact size and excellent picture reproduction, Rollei TLR cameras are still sought after today by art photographers and hobbyists. If you have come across one of these older cameras at a thrift store, yard sale or auction, chances are you will need help figuring out how to load the film into the camera. Though the process is a bit more involved than loading film into a modern camera, once you get the hang of it, changing film will take no time at all.
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Instructions
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Determine the type of film your Rolleiflex model uses. The film size should be indicated either in the film compartment or some other place on the camera. Many of the film stocks used by older Rollei TLR cameras--such as 70 mm--have been discontinued and may be difficult to find. Some specialty camera stores sell new old stock rolls of discontinued film sizes, or the film frequently appears on online auction websites. If your camera uses 35 mm film, you should be able to find the film at any camera store.
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Open the film compartment using the latch located on the bottom of the camera.
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Place the new roll of film into the bottom compartment of the camera. You may need to pull out the pin that holds the film in place using the knob on the outside of the camera.
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Feed the backing paper of the film under and through the first metal roller. This roller is the film feeler that will advance the picture number indicator on the camera and make sure the film is lined up properly.
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Feed the paper coming from the film feeler into the slot on an old film spool that matches the size of your new film. This spool will become the take-up spool, rewinding the spent film into a new roll to be developed.
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Roll the paper clockwise around the spool twice, and fit the spool in the top compartment of the camera by pulling out the knob on the side and pushing the spool into place.
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Pull the film advance crank out and wind it clockwise. There will be an arrow on the film paper. Turn the crank until this arrow lines up with the metal roller at the bottom corner of the camera.
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Close the back of the camera and latch it into place.
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Advance the film crank until it stops. The picture counter will show "1." Wind the crank counter-clockwise just enough to fold it away. Your camera is ready to take pictures.
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Tips & Warnings
When your roll has run out of pictures, save the spool for use as the take-up spool when loading your next roll.
When loading your film, expose no more than the roll's leading paper to light. Light will ruin the film. This can be especially troublesome if the roll was difficult to find.
