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How to load large format film holders video tutorial

St Ives - UK

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St Ives - UK

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Across the Liffey

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Across the Liffey

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  • Feb 25, 2026
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It is a bit slow, but this is because I covered all of the stuff that I found confusing and/or made mistakes with when I learned--stuff that's not obvious that you have to consider until you're fumbling around in the dark trying not to ruin your $50 box of film and wondering what you've gotten yourself into.

If there's anything you think can be cut (save the aggregate of about 10 seconds where I repeat a couple of points) while leaving enough of exactly what to expect and do in the dark, I'm all ears. (Really, I'm making more tutorials and would welcome constructive criticism. I personally think it's better to give someone 4 more minutes of video to save them hours of frustration, but if you see a way to cut it down without losing information, I'd love to hear your thoughts to help me do it better the next time.)
 
I was able to stream it okay here on Verizon Wireless Broadband. I watched all of it, and from what I saw, it looks to be a very thorough introduction for beginners.

A couple of observations--

It might be good to say something about dusting the holders before loading.

The "flippy thing" at the end of the holder is generally called "the flap." The tape is not actually a light seal, so as long as it holds the flap in place, it's doing its job. The light seal is formed when the flap meshes with the holder.

The way I keep track of whether holders are loaded or unloaded is by marking the film type in pencil in the white space for that purpose on the holder, and when the holder is empty, I erase it.
 
Ian, that's really strange! I suspect there's a routing problem between you and my server (which is in a data center that has truly ludicrous amounts of redundant bandwidth). Maybe something in the trans-Atlantic link has gone wonky?

David, thanks! Do you mind if I copy your notes into the post?
 
I liked it, would like to see it with a different brand of holder also. (graflock)

The other thing is to discuss loading several holders at once. (assembly line style)
 
Hopefully it'll be useful for any beginner.

I'm not even a beginner yet; for now, I'm still enjoying MF. But if I ever go LF, I'll remember what I've seen in your video. :smile:

This video is much better than some photos and some text. Thanks.
 
I wish I had seen this when I started LF! Nicely done. Personally, I think "flippy thing" sounds better than "flap." Seems more playful, but depends on the context I guess.

- Jusitn
 
Quite possibly Nicolai, but I doubt it's the transatlantic link, this country only has one Internet service provider and I think everything is very heavily filtered, most probably with the very latest US technology :smile:

Must be a dodgy site :smile: we do seem to get odd glitches here I'll try gain tomorrow What I saw looked excellent

Ian

Ian, that's really strange! I suspect there's a routing problem between you and my server (which is in a data center that has truly ludicrous amounts of redundant bandwidth). Maybe something in the trans-Atlantic link has gone wonky?

David, thanks! Do you mind if I copy your notes into the post?
 
Since I'm just starting LF, I'll definitely watch before I load my first holders!

edited to add: What about a video on using the Polaroid 500 holder? Just a thought since I've heard they can be difficult (I have one of those, too).
 
Well ,it was very helpful to me, and it streamed well. I am sure it is not everyone's exact technique but to a nubie to LF it was a great starting place to take a little of the mystery out of film loading. Thankyou for sharing it.
 
Winger, Polaroid holder coming up soon!

Jeff Searust, I never seen a Graflock holder, do they work differently? If anyone wants to lend me one for a few days, I'll be happy to make a video for it and send it back.
 
Nicolai, it streamed perfectly today, maybe because early in the morning before UK and most definitely the US get up. I'm going to PM you with more video ideas.

Ian
 
No hickups here this time either.
So now Im set to go. :smile:
Very good video.
Kind regards
Søre
 
I thank you very much for doing such a video on proper way to load LF film, it helps to refreash one's mind -B-4 screwing something up and wasting money! thanks\\\Lauren
 
Thanks for the tutorial. I'm just starting out with LF, and while I figured out how the film holders work, it's great to have a system to work by.

Thanks,
 
The video playback begins immediately and streams very fast, absolutely no problems over here. Thanks for that interesting tutorial! You guys make me more and more interested in LF. The day I'll get one of those cameras, I'll blame you. :smile:
 
Feel free to direct any complaints from your significant other our way. :smile:
 
The way I keep track of whether holders are loaded or unloaded is by marking the film type in pencil in the white space for that purpose on the holder, and when the holder is empty, I erase it.
I use rubber bands: length-wise the holder has film in (and keeps the darkslide in place), width-ways it's empty. Different coloured bands indicate different film.
 
sweet one, mark! I added your tip to the comments on my blog as well, that's dead useful.
 
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