Hello! I just received my first Leica II in my life and got really excited to start shooting. - I’m aware that Leica film cameras require some kind of film trim technique or additional thin plastic card to get the film properly loaded. However when I try to load the film for the first time I can just “load the film” normally like any other film camera brand without trimming the film or even using the tool. Is it normal that I can load the film this easily?
I’m still intimidated by this camera (which was inherited; I don’t even know if it works). Is there a way to set it up to mimic the expected performance of a disposable 35mm camera, just so I can run through a roll of film and figure out if it takes photos or not?
@@WorldwideCameraExchangeThat’s fair. If it actually takes photos, then I think it would be fascinating to learn how to use. I couldn’t possibly afford repairs on it if it doesn’t take photos, though, so it would be nice to know more-or-less what would take a passable photo on a sunny day to know if what I have is more of a “display piece.”
There is no reason to trim the film. This camera was developed during a time when there was no cassette 35mm cut film so you had to use movie film. That's where this all came from to trim with a long leader. I have shot these for years and have never had a problem with regular cut film but have had problems with the long cut.
Thanks for commenting. Leica recommended using the extended film tongue long after photographers stopped using movie stock. Why? Because it makes the loading process easier. Plenty of photographers don’t bother to trim modern film, and that’s fine, once you get the hang of it. But I’d recommend trimming to anyone who’s new to screw Leicas.
As I recall film cassettes in the 60’s came in the aluminum cans with yellow screw on cap for Kodak and the film leaders were a lot longer. Not sure when they shortened the leaders. I have seen various hacks to get around the shortened leader but sticking my fingers inside the camera or jamming a credit card inside the camera doesn’t seem to be the brightest way of loading the camera and can risk damage. Think this especially true of older Barnack Leicas from the 30’s
Thanks for commenting. It only takes a few seconds to trim a film and it doesn’t need to be precise. The important thing is to cut between the sprocket holes (not across them) to prevent any film from snagging.
Still my go-to 35mm camera in 2023. Love how it’s fully mechanical and can be paired beautifully with a leica meter on the shoe if needed 📷❤
Great cameras!
This was a wonderful description and summary of the Leica camera. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I have a Leica III circa 1935, that is a beautiful camera
Yes, if you look after and treat them to an occasional service, any mechanical Leica rangefinder will last forever.
Very thorough overview!
Thanks - appreciated
Hello! I just received my first Leica II in my life and got really excited to start shooting.
-
I’m aware that Leica film cameras require some kind of film trim technique or additional thin plastic card to get the film properly loaded.
However when I try to load the film for the first time I can just “load the film” normally like any other film camera brand without trimming the film or even using the tool. Is it normal that I can load the film this easily?
It’s easier with the film trimmed but not essential! Enjoy your Leica.
I’m still intimidated by this camera (which was inherited; I don’t even know if it works). Is there a way to set it up to mimic the expected performance of a disposable 35mm camera, just so I can run through a roll of film and figure out if it takes photos or not?
There are no easy shortcuts. These were never meant to be point and shoot cameras.
@@WorldwideCameraExchangeThat’s fair. If it actually takes photos, then I think it would be fascinating to learn how to use. I couldn’t possibly afford repairs on it if it doesn’t take photos, though, so it would be nice to know more-or-less what would take a passable photo on a sunny day to know if what I have is more of a “display piece.”
I have that model, I used it a handful of times. It’s an absolute nightmare to use. Cool collectible though.
Yes, by modern standards very slow. But some still love them!
There is no reason to trim the film. This camera was developed during a time when there was no cassette 35mm cut film so you had to use movie film. That's where this all came from to trim with a long leader. I have shot these for years and have never had a problem with regular cut film but have had problems with the long cut.
Thanks for commenting. Leica recommended using the extended film tongue long after photographers stopped using movie stock. Why? Because it makes the loading process easier. Plenty of photographers don’t bother to trim modern film, and that’s fine, once you get the hang of it. But I’d recommend trimming to anyone who’s new to screw Leicas.
As I recall film cassettes in the 60’s came in the aluminum cans with yellow screw on cap for Kodak and the film leaders were a lot longer. Not sure when they shortened the leaders.
I have seen various hacks to get around the shortened leader but sticking my fingers inside the camera or jamming a credit card inside the camera doesn’t seem to be the brightest way of loading the camera and can risk damage. Think this especially true of older Barnack Leicas from the 30’s
Thanks for commenting. It only takes a few seconds to trim a film and it doesn’t need to be precise. The important thing is to cut between the sprocket holes (not across them) to prevent any film from snagging.
I remember to trim back 13 sprocket holes.
Great suggestion - thanks