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How to load medium format film
I recently got a present of an Agfa Isolette II. Its a medium format camera, built around the late 40’s, v.early 50’s.
I had huge difficulty figuring out how to load the film, and google didn’t really help, it seems like a basic thing that most photographers expect you should know, anyway, here are my instructions.
1. Use the silver clasp on the left hand side of the camera to clip the back open.
2. When you first open the camera, you might see a black spool on the left hand side, if the spool is on the left hand side, just pull it out, I did this quite brutally, and found that the silver holder at the top of the spool actually lifted off, as it is set on hinges, which was a nice surprise!
3. Clip the spool into the right hand side of the camera, you should be able to see how this works.
4. Now you are ready to insert your film, so insert the film on the left hand side, and pull the end of the film over to the right, inserting it into the opening on the spool.
5. Wind on the spool until the film gets tight.
6. Close the back of the camera, open the little hatch at the back (red glass), and continue winding until you see the number 1 through the hatch.
7. Close the hatch, and take your photo!
The original manual is available online for more info. If I get a chance I’ll do a full tutorial with pics!