Bulk Loader issue

[B&Wpositive]

My bulk loader has been loading too many frames onto each roll. If I set the counter so it is supposed to load 36 frames, it will load more. The exact number of frames varies, but has been as high as 50 on some rolls. Even when you count the number of clicks and stop at 36, this still happens. The number of clicks matches the frame counter perfectly, in fact. I had my uncle look at it. He's a former serious photo hobbiest and also a shop teacher...and he couldn't figure out what was going on.

It's an Alden 74 that my grandfather dug out of his basement recently. Any ideas what's going on? My uncle suggests getting a new loader.

 

[glbeas]

Sounds like the tension of the film on the counting sprocket may be light. You can hear it skip clicks when this happens. The other reason is worn gears in the counter system.

 

[Nick Zentena]

. If I set the counter so it is supposed to load 36 frames, it will load more.

What do you mean by this? :confused:

With the Alden/Watson design you turn the dial to something like -4 to start. Then you start cranking. When you hit your choice [say 36] you stop. You can't preset the number of frames. Unless I'm having a real brain cramp.

The other thing is the film engaged on the counter wheel when you start? Or is there some slack to start?

 

[B&Wpositive]

I set the counter to frame 36, then wind to frame 0 to get a leader. Then I wind to 36, and stop. The actual number of frames ends up being between 40 and 55. Sometimes it gets so tight it's unusable.

No skipped clicks.