Hasselblad 500C/M A12 film back film loading question

Alsodrew · Jan 8, 2021

Recently purchased a hasselblad 500 cm camera and absolutely loving it so far. However I was curious about one thing...

When taking out and reloading film into an A12 film back, is it ok to leave the film back on the camera, and only remove the insert inside to replace the film? It seems like that can be done, but I was just curious whether or not it there are issues that can arise from doing that.

BrianShaw · Jan 8, 2021

Yes, the back can be left on the camera. When removing the insert to change film. If using the dark slide notice that in one orientation it will stay in place when you remove the insert but in the other orientation it will pull out. The manual describes this well.

etn · Jan 8, 2021

Alsodrew said:
Recently purchased a hasselblad 500 cm camera and absolutely loving it so far. However I was curious about one thing...

When taking out and reloading film into an A12 film back, is it ok to leave the film back on the camera, and only remove the insert inside to replace the film? It seems like that can be done, but I was just curious whether or not it there are issues that can arise from doing that.

You can absolutely leave the back on the camera when changing rolls. No issue at all. You don't even have to insert the dark slide.

Alan9940 · Jan 8, 2021

Since I have multiple backs, I load one still on the camera and others while off the camera with dark slide inserted. Either way works fine. As stated above, you don't need to insert/remove the dark slide to load film while the back is attached to the camera.

Pieter12 · Jan 8, 2021

I find it easier (If I am only shooting one type or speed of film) to keep just a second, loaded insert in a little plastic bag--either a back one cut down from printing paper or just a zip-lock baggie.

bdial · Jan 8, 2021

I rarely swap backs, but I do occasionally if I'm using two kinds of film, or need to work very fast for some reason, but it's only fast overall if you have someone assisting who can reload the removed back.

As mentioned, popping out the insert and reloading is fine and no need to mess with the dark slide, it's the way I work 99.9% of the time.

Ariston · Jan 8, 2021

It is fine, but like Brian said, make sure you have the dark slide turned the right way, or that cartridge won't come out.

Sirius Glass · Jan 8, 2021

I swap backs when I am changing film type. I load film to the back while on the camera and I load stand alone backs. It depends what I am doing and going to do.

MattKing · Jan 8, 2021

For my Mamiya cameras with both interchangeable backs and inserts, I prefer having the camera and back on a tripod when I unload and load out in the field. That way everything is held safely while I handle the film.

etn · Jan 14, 2021

MattKing said:
For my Mamiya cameras with both interchangeable backs and inserts, I prefer having the camera and back on a tripod when I unload and load out in the field. That way everything is held safely while I handle the film.

Makes sense. When handheld, I usually try to find a place to sit down and hold the camera securely between my legs. If I know I will have no time to sit down (being with others) I load a couple backs beforehand and just swap them.

Hasselblad 500C/M A12 film back film loading question

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