Medium format roll film.
In most regards, the Pentax 67 medium format SLR operates like smaller 35mm SLRs on which Pentax based the design. The major difference comes when loading and unloading 120 and 220 format roll film. This article assumes familiarity with 35mm SLR film cameras and 35mm sprocketed film and explains perform the operations that differ when using a Pentax 67 with medium format sprocketless, roll film---specifically loading and unloading film.
Instructions
Loading and Unloading Film from a Pentax 67
1. Find an area away from direct sunlight to load the film. Locate the 120/220 switch on the upper right side of the camera, and turn it using a coin so it points to the type of film you have. Remove the roll of film from the outer foil or plastic packaging and set aside.
2. Open the rear cover of the camera by sliding down the steel release located on the bottom left side of the camera. If you find an empty black plastic or metal film spool in the left side film chamber you must take it out and place it in the right side. Release the round film spool holder on the outer bottom left side of the camera (turn it and pull down) and pull the spool out of the chamber.
3. Place the empty spool in the right film chamber by turning and pulling down on the round steel film spool release on the bottom right side of the camera. Insert the empty spool so that it locks into place at the top of the chamber. Then turn and push closed the spool release at the bottom of the camera.
4. Remove the strip of paper tape from around the roll of film, and insert the film into the left film chamber so that (looking from the bottom of the camera) the film will unroll in a clockwise direction. (As the paper lays across the back of the camera you should see the outside of the paper with printing on it.) Gently pull the tapered end of the paper across the back of the camera, and insert it into the slit of the empty spool in the right film chamber.
5. Using the film advance lever on the top right of the camera, wind the paper around the empty spool one or two cranks. Then carefully continue advancing the film around the spool until you see a vertical arrow printed across the back of the film paper. Align this arrow with the small colored indicator for the film type (120 or 220) you are using. This small mark is above the shutter opening and below and to the left of the viewfinder.
6. Before closing the camera back, look at the pressure plate on the inside of the door. If the plate is not set to the correct film type, gently push it in and slide it to the opposite side. You can confirm that it is set correctly by looking at the film type indicator on the outside of the camera back.
7. Close the camera. Be certain the film door release latches shut. Continue winding the film advance lever until the number "1" appears on the film counter. The shutter is cocked, and you are ready to start shooting.
8. Shoot the film as you would with a 35mm SLR. When you have reached the end of the roll of film, continue winding the film advance lever until you feel and hear the end of the film unwind from the roll that you inserted.
9. In a dimly lit area, open the back of the camera, and remove the exposed film roll by reversing the steps you followed to insert the empty spool on the right side of the camera. Depending on the brand of film, you will need to secure the paper around the film by peeling off the adhesive backing on the paper tape on the outside of the finished roll or by licking the adhesive backing like a postage stamp.
Tags: empty spool, roll film, side camera, film chamber, right side
