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How to load a Rolleiflex

The question how to load a Rolleiflex came up in on of the forums I visit, so I illustrated the process and took the chance to bring my photo related tutorials section “live” which I meant to do a while ago…

01 IMG 2970 How to load a Rolleiflex
1. Take the old film spool from the bottom and place it in the take-up compartment

02 IMG 2971 How to load a Rolleiflex
2. Place the film in the bottom of the camera and feed the backing paper under the first metal roll (film feeler)

03 IMG 2972 How to load a Rolleiflex
3. Feed the backing paper trough the slot of the take-up spool

04 IMG 2973 How to load a Rolleiflex
4. Roll the backing paper 2 times around the take-up spool (clockwise)

05 IMG 2974 How to load a Rolleiflex
5. Fix the take-up spool in its compartment – place right side of the spool first and pull the knob on the left out, push the take-up spool in place and let the knob go.
Unfold the film advance crank and advance clockwise, until the arrows line up with the film feeler, close the back

06 IMG 2975 How to load a Rolleiflex
6. Advance the film crank clockwise, until it stops – film counter shows “1″. If the film advances without stopping, you did not feed the film under the “film feeler” roll (2)

07 IMG 2976 How to load a Rolleiflex
7. Reverse film advance crank counterclockwise and fold away. Your Rolleiflex is ready to go

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  • Can Sezer

    Thanks, thanks a lot. Couldn’t advance the counter because I didn’t notice that first latch, the film just didn’t advance correctly. Now I can begin using the grandfather camera, thanks again.

  • Roy

    Thank you so much for those instructions. I too missed the first reel and ened up wasting a film because the counter didn’t move on.

  • Michael

    Hadn’t put a film through the T in a while. Memory not as good as it used to be. Thanks for the excellent details.

  • Nishanth

    had the instructions but not the photos ….thanx a lot made it a lot easier…

  • Kevin Andrews

    Thanks loads. Dad passed away a week ago and photography was his love as weel as mine, but he was always old scholl while I am digi. But now I have all his equipment I feel I should learn how to use it to keep his memory going.

  • http://www.kentmercurio.com Kent Mercurio

    Thanks. Google led me to this. Just bought a Rolleiflex but couldn’t figure out how to make sure I load it correctly.
    - Kent

  • http://www.paulapuffer.net Paula

    Thank you for these very clear pictures and very clear instructions. I managed to load my 120 film on the first try after mangling the demo roll the store gave me to practices with.

  • http://www.todbrilliant.com Tod Brilliant

    After over a decade as a Polaroid faithful, it’s time to change things up. MANY thanks for this absolutely precise loading guide.

    Tod

  • http://flickr.com/ladymuck Jane Ladymuck

    Thank you! I had a copy of the original instructions but they were as clear as mud. Now I can actually start shooting – much appreciated.

  • http://www.weddingcinema.com.ua Alex

    Thank you very much for those detailed instructions! Very helpful! Photographed on film – it is something!

  • http://www.markushartel.com/blog/learn-from-markus/how-to-load-a-rolleiflex Danny

    Its been awhile since I loaded a 120 camera. I was a little
    foggy on how to load one. I have a Rolleiflex Model 3 K4B2 and
    two Yashica’s 44a’s 127 a Grey one & a Black one. Thanks I’ll have no problem loading any of them now.

  • Michael Madigan

    Thanks

  • John

    Cool,..I wanna buy a 2.8F as the one in the vid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3yzXguUtHM they ask me for 1000€ it’s ok?

    • mhartel

      John – €1000 is a very good price for a 2.8F if the camera is in good condition… good luck & keep me posted!

      thanks for the nice video