No, you don't have to load the film in the dark, though it is best to do it in subdued light. The film doesn't start for a bit into the paper, so the paper is fed onto the next spool in the light, the back is closed, and the film is advanced to the first frame infront of the lens. You want to have your take up spool on the bottom, the side without the red arrow. Put the new roll of film into the side with the red arrow, and feed the paper across the presure plate, black side of the paper out. Wind the paper onto the take up spool until the arrow on the paper that says "Start" is lined up with the red arrow on the film insert. Close the back, and advance the film until the counter shows frame 1, the film advance will stop when you hit frame one. This may seem obvious, but I'll mention it anyway, if you're loading film with the back off the camera, make sure the darkslide is in. After the last frame on the roll, just keep advancing the film until you feel less resistance, and you can ussually hear the paper flapping around in the back. Take the film out of the back, and lick (or otherwise wett, except in the case of fuji film, who had the brilliant idea of just using a regular sticker type adhesive) the the little tab, and use it to hold the paper tightly closed. Hope that all makes sense, good luck with your new camera
Peter
|
)