How to Load Film into the Nimslo 3D
This guide will show you how to load film into your Nimslo 3D and how to make sure the camera is functioning properly. If this is your first time using your Nimslo 3D, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
For more information on the camera, you can see the Nimslo 3D camera page.
Before You Load Film
Check the Batteries
The Nimslo 3D has an electronically controlled shutter. Batteries are required in order for the camera and light meter to operate.
The Nimslo 3D uses three LR43 or equivalent batteries. The battery door can be unscrewed with a coin.
Make Sure the Nimslo 3D Functions Correctly
If your Nimslo 3D has not been used in a long time or if it is your first time using the camera, check to make sure the camera is functioning correctly before loading 35mm film.
Make sure you are able to cock the shutter with the film advance lever and the shutter fires when you press the shutter release.
Make Sure There is No Film Loaded in the Camera
If there is any film left in the camera, it will be ruined if it is exposed to light. Unlike some cameras, the Nimslo 3D does not have a window to see if film is currently loaded in the camera.
To check if there is film in the camera, follow the same steps on how to rewind and remove film from the Nimslo 3D. This is the same process you’ll follow once you’ve shot all the exposures on the film you’re loading.
Do Not Load Film in Sunlight
You can ruin your film by loading it in direct sunlight or bright light.
Bright light increases the risk of light piping. When this happens light is able to penetrate through the light seal on the 35mm film canister.
The film is not guaranteed to be completely ruined. You could end up with varying degrees of fogging.
Fogging can produce a range of undesirable outcomes such as a loss of contrast, blown out streaks, or a completely exposed frame. The problem should subside with progressive frames.
For Best Results, Use Fresh Film
Film degrades in quality over time. It should also not be exposed to hot temperatures like those in a car on a sunny day or attic during summer.
Expired film can be used, but you are not guaranteed predictable performance.
For the best results, use a fresh pack of film that is not expired. My recommendations are:
Black Black & White White
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Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Nimslo 3D. For demonstration purposes I am using a roll of film that has been exposed.
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Open the film door.
To open the film door on the Nimslo 3D, pull up on the film rewind knob. Leave the knob in the up position so you can load a film canister.
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Load the roll of film.
The film roll gets loaded into the left side with the film leader on the bottom. The film leader is the rounded half-width section at the start of every roll of film.
To make the process easier, tilt the 35mm film canister towards the top of the camera when loading.
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Push the film rewind knob back down.
The rewind knob has prongs that will lock into the film canister that can be seen in the photo below. This will keep the film canister in place, as well as allowing you to rewind the film.
You may need to turn the film rewind knob a small amount to get the prongs to align correctly with the film canister.
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Pull the film leader over to the film take-up spool.
With your left hand hold the film canister in place. With your right hand gently pull the film leader over to the take-up spool.
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Thread the film leader into the take-up spool.
The take-up spool has slots and notches designed to hold the film in place. Carefully insert the film leader and make sure enough of the film leader is inserted to be firmly held in place.
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Advance the film and fire the shutter.
With your left hand, hold the film canister in place. With your right hand, use the film advance lever to cock the camera.
Look to make sure the film leader does not come out of the slot in the film take-up spool.
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Advance the film again. (Optional)
If you are not confident the film is going to stay on the take-up spool, you can repeat step 6.
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Close the film door.
Carefully close the film door. Make sure the film rewind knob is down and the film door has securely latched closed.
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Advance and fire the shutter until the frame counter is at 1.
The film needs to be advanced past what was exposed during the loading process. To do this you will need to cock and fire the shutter several times until the film counter is at 1.
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Set the ISO (ASA) on the camera.
There are two different ISO (ASA) settings on the camera, 100 or 400. Move the switch to the correct setting for the film you have loaded in the camera.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! Your camera is now loaded with film and ready to shoot.
Once you’ve shot the roll of film, check out this guide that will show you how to unload film from the Nimslo 3D.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.
How to Know When a Roll of Film is Done?
The film roll is used up when you are no longer able to easily crank the film advance lever. This usually aligns with half the number of exposures the roll contains that can be seen on the film counter.
This is because every shot with the Nimslo 3D uses 2 standard 35mm frames. Most rolls of film will have either 24 or 36 exposures, which will be able to take 12 or 18 exposures with the Nimslo 3D camera.
You should then rewind the film back into the 35mm canister. To do this, flip out the film rewind knob and press the film spool lock button on the bottom of the camera. You’ll then be able to rewind the film.