How to load the early Leica M cameras - M1 M2 M3

Dan Tamarkin here from Tamarkin Camera here to show you today how to load a film- yes, film- into a Leica M3 camera. 

First thing’s first, the base plate of the camera comes off. Extend the little lever, turn 180 degrees, pull the base plate away from the camera. You want to mind the little tang that holds the base plate on so it doesn't pull completely straight off, but you have to go around that tang.

Then, we need to take the film spool out. With the little tab up, and our film, also with the tab up, we're going to feed the leader of the film onto the spool straight in such a way that we can see the film in the little perforated arrow.

Once you're satisfied that the film is riding straight on the spool and not at some angle, we're ready to actually load the camera. You follow these handy-dandy little directions right here. Feed the film into the camera, push both down.

We're going to flatten the film out in advance a couple of times. It's important, as we're advancing, that both of these little cogs have the film properly aligned, advanced three or four times. Close the back door, secure the base plate, another 180 degree turn.

You're nearly ready to go. To make sure that there's no pre-exposed film on that leader, advance a couple more times, and voila! Leica M3, ready to shoot.