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Bulking loading,
many has been asking, what is it , how is it done etc etc etc.
Finally, a simple
FAQ for those who need it. Please take note that this is my way
of doing and there may be others way to do it.
First, a simple
introduction to what bulk loading is all about. It is a process
whereby a 30m of film is put into a light-proof box and from there,
it is loaded into canister.
Before we begin,
there are a few things that we need :-
Equipment
Needed
- Bulk Loader
$70+
- Bulk Film,
price around $95-$100++ depending on type
- Canister
Empty ones (obtainable free from labs)
- Scissors
& Scotch tape
- Changing
bag $25+ Optional if you can find a dark place
Technique
Step 1.
- Take the
tape off the can of bulk film and be careful not to expose the
film to light. Alternatively, you can do so in the Changing Bag.
Put the Loader and the Bulk Film inside the Changing Bag if you
have not already done so.
Step 2.
- This process
is the most tricky as it is done in the changing bag thus you
can’t really see if you are doing the right thing. In this
case, I will do a stimulation of the whole process.
- This is a
demo set (Fig. 2.1) used to show how the bulk film looked like.
Pleases be reminded that by opening the can in bright daylight
or any other sources of light will cause the film to be exposed
rendering it unusable. Take the film out of its holder, and take
the piece of paper surrounding the bulk film off. Next feel for
the end of the film.
- Insert the
end of the film into the small opening off the loader (see Fig.
2.2).
- Make sure
that the roller is inserted into the loader. It opened up the
slot for the film to go through.
- Next keep
pushing the film in and stop only when you felt that there is
a stopping force.
- Open the
top of the loader and feel for the film (See Fig. 2.5 ,you may
skip this step if you are confidence enough that the film is out).
If it is not there, then continue to push until it is there. Next,
put the film nicely into the loader (Fig. 2.6 and hold on to the
tip of the film and turn slightly in the clockwise direction until
you encounter resistance.
- Cover the
loader, both top and the side and make sure that it is tight before
taking the loader out of the changing bag!
Step 3.
- This is easy
for now on. Cut off the taper end of the film. Placed the empty
canister with the cut end of the film facing the bulk film (See
Fig. 3.1).
Now,
there are 2 ways to tape the 2 ends together and it up to personal
preferences.
1) End to end
2) One on top of the other
- Either way,
make sure that the scotch tape go one round (see Fig. 3.2) over
both film ends! And also make sure that the scotch tape has contact
on both sides of the film’s ends. This is to make sure that
the tape is holding the two ends together. It is important as
it might cause the film not able to rewind after shooting when
the film has detached itself from the canister.
Step 4.
- Placed the
canister back into the loader (Fig. 4.1) and we can start rolling.
Make sure that the arrows are facing each other (Fig. 4.2). You
can start rolling one round and when the arrow come back to the
top arrow again, it is done. You will get about 33-36 exposures.
Step 5.
- Take out
the roller and open the top. Take the canister out and make sure
that you do not put too much out of the loader or the canister
(see Fig. 5.1). Cut the film (see Fig. 5.2). Pull out slightly
and then cut the end of the film as shown in Fig. 5.3.
- Repeat step
1 to step 5 until the whole of the bulk film is in the canisters.
And you can now load your camera and start shooting.
Please be reminded
that this is how I do my bulk load. There may be other way to do
it so feel free to experiment with the loading process and in turn,
find the best way to do it. Practice makes perfect.
Happy loading.
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