Loading Large Format Film

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To load your film holders, you must first obviously have film.
Open the flaps at the bottom (or the right side when oriented with the dark slides to the left). This allows the film to enter the holder.
You'll be able to see two sets of tramlines.
Before you turn off the lights in the room, make sure the white or silver top of the dark slide is facing outwards, as when the film is used you'll be able to switch it over and show the black side, letting you know which sides have been exposed.
In a blackened out room (this must be light tight or your film will become exposed) open your box of film. If it is new, it will come with protective card. For now, remove these and put them aside. Get all of your film out, or simply prop it up and make sure you know where it is.
Take you film holder, and make sure the dark slides are semi pulled out and are to the left of the holder.
If you run your fingers along the edge of a piece of film, you'll feel some notches. These must be placed in the bottom right hand corner when the dark slides are facing left. This is because the film has an anti scratch layer which isn't light sensitive; only one side will react to the light and make an image. It's important the film is the right way up or you won't get your desired picture.
In addition to this, the film must be placed under the bottom set of tramlines, or the film won't be pressed flat and your image won't be in focus.
To test whether the film is in correctly, you can flick the corner of the film. If it feels tight, you've probably got it under the right tramlines.
Now, close the hinge on the right, and lower the darkslide to cover the film.
You can now switch the film holder over and do the same thing, as each film holder holds two sheets of film.
Finally, make sure your box of film is packed up in a way that light can't get into the box, and you can turn on the lights.





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