Storing Film in Alden 74, Light Trap Open or Closed?

madNbad · Jan 11, 2022

To the users of the Alden 74 or Watson 100, when you are finished loading cassettes and have closed the loading chamber door, do you leave the light trap closed or do you open it so it doesn't kink the film?

mshchem · Jan 11, 2022

Huh? Why would you want to open the light trap??

madNbad · Jan 11, 2022

mshchem said:
Huh? Why would you want to open the light trap??

Both the Alden and Watson loaders use a light trap slot that opens when you load a cassette. When you are finished loading the cassette, you close the trap to prevent light from exposing the film in the chamber. The question is, if you store the loader with the trap closed, it can lead to a kink in the film between the film chamber and the loading chamber. The loading chamber door provides a fairly good seal and in videos I've watched users doing it both ways.

mshchem · Jan 11, 2022

I wouldn't over think it. The potential kink is so close to the light struck tail of film it wouldn't matter. I didn't mean to be flippant. I've never heard of this being a problem.

Sirius Glass · Jan 11, 2022

Close the light trap.

JerseyDoug · Jan 11, 2022

I close the light trap with both an Alden 74 and a Watson 100. The resulting kink is not a problem loading the film in either an LTM Leica or a Nikon F, both of which some people find difficult to load.

Donald Qualls · Jan 12, 2022

I would never store my loaders with the gate open. Doing so would mean that if the cover is opened (by mistake, or accidentally through handling) the film till in the loader will be fogged on the outer layer, sprocket fogged on a couple more layers, and edge fogged right to the core.

Sirius Glass · Jan 12, 2022

Donald Qualls said:
I would never store my loaders with the gate open. Doing so would mean that if the cover is opened (by mistake, or accidentally through handling) the film till in the loader will be fogged on the outer layer, sprocket fogged on a couple more layers, and edge fogged right to the core.

Absolutely correct!

Randy Stewart · May 31, 2022

Belt and suspenders: leave the trap closed!

madNbad · May 31, 2022

beemermark · May 31, 2022

So in the video he leaves the trap door open for storage! Closing the door does NOT kink the film. My biggest problem seems to be leaving the door closed when loading the film cassette which always ends up scratching the film. And whats with using packing tape and cutting it in half. For me the packing tape gets stuck to everything (including me). I just use Scotch tape from the dispenser. I guess anybody can make a video. I did like all the hand pantomimes. madNbad you did good asking the question here instead of relying on a youtube video.

ic-racer · May 31, 2022

Usually with the light trap open. That way the door does not flop around, as you know there is no mechanism (other than opening the light trap) to keep the door closed. But it really makes no difference either way.
BTW Alden is the best. Still using the 200ft model I got in 1974.

btaylor · May 31, 2022

Next time I want to take a chance on fogging a 100’ roll of film I’ll leave the light trap open!

ic-racer · Jun 1, 2022

btaylor said:
Next time I want to take a chance on fogging a 100’ roll of film I’ll leave the light trap open!

How about the light trap open AND door open...like this...

madNbad · Jun 1, 2022

That’s how they come from Ebay.

Randy Stewart · Jun 15, 2022

mshchem said:
I wouldn't over think it. The potential kink is so close to the light struck tail of film it wouldn't matter. I didn't mean to be flippant. I've never heard of this being a problem.

I'll second that sentiment. (I've been bulk loading on and off since 1962 with Watson and/or Alden loaders. Never noticed any issue like this.)

mshchem · Jun 15, 2022

Randy Stewart said:
I'll second that sentiment. (I've been bulk loading on and off since 1962 with Watson and/or Alden loaders. Never noticed any issue like this.)

I just loaded a roll. I need to practice, I was fumbling, I love doing things like bulk loading. Good thing I have the option of buying ready made.

Storing Film in Alden 74, Light Trap Open or Closed?

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