Topic: Help!! How to load Fuji Instant film into Polaroid back (MF for Mamiya RB67)

[roryot]

Hi all,

I am having problems loading Fuji FP100B into a Polaroid back. I read elsewhere on the net that you load the pack into the back, close it, and pull the  black leader out through a seam. When I close the back, the black leader sticks out between the seam where the holder has closed, ie just under the wire clip. It doesn't make sense to me, but I pulled from there anyway, and as the leader got to the end, it pulled the first photo out through the same seam, not through the rollers. What am I doing wrong?

Can anybody explain, preferably with a couple of pictures? Or point me to a decent pdf with instructions?

Thanks!

Rory

[This-is-damion]

possibly not much help  as never seen that camera,  BUT the concept must the same the world over.   all my pola pack film cameras load in the same way ...like this

http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?q=how+to+load+polaroid+film&hl=en&emb=0&aq=2&oq=how+to+load+po#

make sure rollers clean, im sure i have had issues where rollers all clogged up with gunk and film then came out wrong way as you describe.

[gregor]

the mamiya back is fundamentally the same structure as a polaroid land camera. with the fuji films you should close the back, but not lock it as the leader paper is slightly different than polaroid. Once you pull the leader through, then lock the back closed. I learned the hard way on my bronica ;-)

Alternately you can trim the leader a bit to make it slide through more easily.

and BTW, the tabs should be in the seam with #1 out and ready to be pulled. After you shoot a shot, and pull the tab, the 1st image should come out through the rollers....

[roryot]

Thanks guys. Looks like I was loading the correct way, but maybe the tip not to fasten the clip will help...

The pack that is currently loaded, I actually had to reload, cos the first photo came out through the seam instead of the rollers. Anyway, I threaded the 2nd tab through the rollers, but now there is a grey streak across the middle of each print. Is this because I arsed up the loading and botched the reload? This is an expensive learning process!

Rory

[gregor]

the streak is could be due to the reload, but it's more likely dirty rollers which could also explain the bad pull on the 1st shot.  I've only reloaded a couple of times. Once losing just one shot and then losing an entire pack (of precious type 665 too!). 

once you finish the pack give those rollers a good cleaning & good luck !

[roryot]

Thanks for the replies, but no luck. Wasted two packs :-(

I think I'll have to bring it into a shop and get them to load a pack for me. Only one I know is Gunns in Dublin.

[gregor]

Hmmm. Sorry to hear you lost two packs. That hurts - especially when you are excited about using the new back. I've had problems with the Fiji films more than once. In my earlier post I mention I was able to reload once. I have had the experience of loosing three packs of 100c. When I pulled the backing paper in each pack a different tab came out, shot 7,3 and I don't recall the  third.

The supply store was kind enough to give me 3 new packs - even though they don't typically accept returns on film.

So with that said I'm curious about other folks experience with the fuji films. As a side note, I had a Land 360 converted with a copal lens and hotshoe. The person who built it for me made some adjustments to the back to work better with fuji film packs. It was all a bit to technical for me. Wish I had the email with his clarification for the adjustments.

100b hasn't been much if a problem however, in my other polaroid cameras or backs. 

[roryot]

Yes similar stuff happening on my 2nd pack. More than one shot being dragged out when I pull the tab, for example. I bought the Mamiya with the normal bag plus this polaroid back from a wedding photographer who had been using it for years, apparently with no problem. So I assumed it was me who was doing something wrong. I'll bring the back into the last film friendly shop in Ireland. (Gunns on Wexford St. That's it. No others, that I am aware of!!!)

Rory