Camera Talk

Got locally a pair of Nikon F film cassettes for my bulk loading. Took me some time to understand how they work! I like the concept, opening inside the camera and avoiding felt traps.

They fit like hand in glove in the Nikon F, as expected.

Must try one as soon as I get enough practice for safe loading in my changing bag. My Lloyds loader’s handle does not fit the spool, so an extra handle will be needed in order to count turns. A parts camera will probably lend its rewind handle for the task.

If any member has used these cassettes I would appreciate comments on their experiences!

Found a donor handle from a parts Kiev 35, and rolled a 36-frame load of HP5+ without issues, which is rare for me with anything done first time. Now the cartridge is inside the Nikon F, where it belongs… seems smooth so far. Let’s see what happens later on, at rewind and unload time.

I wonder if these are the same ones that were used for the Nikon rangefinders. You know, I have one of these and a Nikon F2A, so I should try and answer my own question.

The one that I have looks like it was based on the Zeiss Ikon film cassette.

I believe they are the same, or very similar to the cassettes for Nikon RF (but never seen one myself, cannot be sure). Indeed they seem based on the Zeiss model, the one for Contaxes, also similar to some Soviet types.

My cassettes for the F do not fit the F2. I tried

Yes, I just tried, and sadly it doesn't fit. You know, you can use the Zeiss Ikon cassettes with nearly all Zeiss Ikon cameras with removable backs with keys: all Contax cameras, Super Nettel, Nettax (35mm), Tenax II, early Contaflex, Contaflex TLR and Contarex. I've used these a lot with the Tenax II, but I don't recall why.

Hmm, might try these in the Contarex. Good to know this.