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Bolex loading question?


Robert Chacon
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This is probably a dumb question but can you load black leader film into your camera (in my case bolex).

Just wanted to practice loading my camera in the dark but need a dummy reel. Is it better to just buy a dummy reel thats been shot on already or is black leader film fine?

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I don't see why not.  Anything 16mm with the appropriate perfs should make good practice film.  I've done it in other cameras, though never actually a Bolex - always just went for it with those!

(Side question - why the dark?  Do you not want to lose even those few feet at the beginning of a daylight spool?)

Duncan

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The only issue with using coloured leader might be if the paint rubs off but I’m not really familiar enough with leader to know its properties. I imagine for the short duration required just to practice loading it’s probably fine.

If you use a local lab they might have some dummy film to give you. 

 

 

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I run all sorts of leader through cameras in order to experience the behaviour, from white acetate to clear polyester to the thinner blue spacing stock used with magnetic film editing. I do not run magnetic film or film with magnetic stripes.

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3 hours ago, Duncan Brown said:

I don't see why not.  Anything 16mm with the appropriate perfs should make good practice film.  I've done it in other cameras, though never actually a Bolex - always just went for it with those!

(Side question - why the dark?  Do you not want to lose even those few feet at the beginning of a daylight spool?)

Duncan

Mostly if i decide to use tungsten and idk it just feels like a nice extra measure that isnt too hard to learn.

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