How to Load Film

Loading film into a camera is a fundamental skill that every film photographer needs to master. Get it wrong and you risk losing an entire roll to light leaks or the film not advancing properly. Get it right and it becomes second nature.

This guide covers loading both 35mm and 120 medium format film, with tips for avoiding common mistakes.

35mm Film Loading

Most 35mm cameras follow a similar loading pattern, though the specifics vary by model. Here's the general process:

Step-by-Step: 35mm SLR

1. Open the camera back — Usually a latch on the left side, or pull up on the rewind knob
2. Insert the cassette — Drop the 35mm cassette into the left chamber, flat side down
3. Pull the film leader — Extend the film tongue across the back to the take-up spool on the right
4. Insert into the take-up spool — Most cameras have slots or teeth that grip the film perforations

5. Advance and check — Fire the shutter and advance twice, watching to confirm the film is winding
6. Close the back — The frame counter should reset to 0 or S

Common 35mm Loading Mistakes

Film not caught by take-up spool The most common mistake. Always advance and fire at least twice with the back open to confirm the film is winding before closing.

Film tongue too short or too long The leader should reach just past the take-up spool. Too short and it won't catch; too long and it may bunch up.

Forcing the back closed If the back won't close easily, something is wrong. Never force it — open and check the film path.

Forgetting to set ISO Cameras with built-in meters need to know the film speed. Check the ISO dial matches your film.

120 Medium Format Loading

Medium format film loading varies more between camera types. The basics:

Step-by-Step: 120 Film

1. Open the camera — Method varies: TLRs open at the back, Hasselblads have removable magazines, Pentax 67 has a hinged back
2. Remove the empty spool — Take out the take-up spool from its position
3. Move empty spool to take-up side — This becomes your new take-up spool
4. Insert fresh roll — Place the new roll where the empty spool was
5. Thread the backing paper — Pull the paper leader across and insert into the slot on the take-up spool
6. Wind until the arrow aligns — Most cameras have a START mark — wind until the arrow on the backing paper aligns with it
7. Close and advance to frame 1 — The camera counts frames automatically from there

120 Format Variations

Different cameras expose different frame sizes on 120 film:

Common 120 Loading Mistakes

Backing paper not secured in take-up spool If the paper slips out, the roll won't wind. Ensure it's firmly inserted in the spool slot.

Not winding to the start mark Winding too little means frame 1 overlaps the fogged section. Winding too much wastes frames.

Opening the back before winding tight After your last frame, wind the roll completely before opening. The backing paper needs to wrap around to protect exposed film.

Handling in bright light Even with backing paper, load and unload 120 film in shade or subdued light when possible.

Camera-Specific Notes

Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Most auto-load: insert the cassette, pull the leader to the mark, close the door. The camera does the rest. If it rewinds immediately, the leader wasn't positioned correctly.

Leica M Rangefinders

Leicas have a removable bottom plate. Pull it off, insert cassette from the bottom, thread leader into the take-up spool (it's a traditional multi-slot spool), replace bottom plate.

Medium Format Backs (Hasselblad, Mamiya RB)

With interchangeable backs, you can pre-load multiple magazines. The dark slide must be inserted before removing the back from the camera, or you'll expose your film.

Testing Your Loading

Before shooting something important, run a test roll:

1. Load a cheap roll — Use an expired roll or budget film
2. Shoot the entire roll — Take photos of anything
3. Unload and inspect — Check for light leaks, proper frame spacing, consistent exposure
4. Review your results — Any problems will be immediately obvious

This is especially valuable with a new-to-you camera, as light seal deterioration is common in older cameras.

What To Do If Film Jams

Mid-roll jam:

1. Find a completely dark space (changing bag, dark room, closet at night)
2. Open the camera in the dark
3. Gently feel what's happened
4. Either rewind manually into the cassette (35mm) or wrap the film and paper tight (120)
5. The jammed roll is likely partially ruined, but you may save some frames

Rewind failure (35mm): If the rewind crank turns but nothing happens, the film may have torn from the cassette. You'll need to remove it in complete darkness and either re-spool it or put it in a light-tight container.

Summary

• 35mm: Insert cassette, thread to take-up, advance twice with back open, confirm rewind crank rotates when advancing
• 120: Empty spool becomes take-up, thread backing paper, wind to START mark, close and advance to frame 1
• Always verify: Do the rewind check (35mm) or confirm paper is secured (120) before closing
• When in doubt: Test with a cheap roll first

Loading becomes automatic with practice. After a few rolls, you'll do it without thinking — but those first few times, take it slow and verify each step.