How to load 120 film into your film camera?

Medium format cameras have many variations, but the process of loading 120 film is most likely similar in essence. It is best to familiarize yourself with your camera to know how to apply the steps accordingly.

We are using the Lomography LC-A 120 as an example. Upon opening the film door, you will see the two areas inside your camera that you will primarily be working with – let’s call them the film holder and the take-up spool. To easily differentiate the film holder and the take-up spool, just remember that the former stays still while the latter rotates as you turn the film advance.

The film holder is usually empty before loading because this is where your film cartridge will sit. The take-up spool, as can be guessed from its name, is the spool that you will be inserting the film into. Not all cameras come with this, so you might have to purchase one and insert it yourself.

You may also find that when you open your camera there is a take-up spool already on the film holder side. In this case you need to move it across to the other side. You will also need to do this every time you shoot a new roll of film.

Inserting the take-up spool is simple – for the LC-A 120, just release the spool holder at the bottom right, insert the take-up spool, and press the spool holder back in. Other cameras might require you to release and press back the rewind knob instead of a spool holder; the steps are still essentially the same. You will find that the take up spool has a long empty slot, and that’s where you will insert the film leader when loading.

Now that the parts are clear and everything is set, let’s get into the loading itself. Start by unpacking your film and carefully peeling off the tape that prevents it from unrolling. There will be a bit of free paper left, which serves as the film’s leader and makes the process easier. Place your film cartridge in the film holder area, then pull the leader to drag the film across, and insert it in the slot located on the take-up spool. To secure the position, wind the take-up spool forward.

When loading your film make sure that the black paper backing is facing up. This is the back of the film.

You can keep winding until arrows on the film’s backing paper are aligned with an index mark. This mark may differ per camera, so get to know your camera and find its indicators. The alignment means you’re about to reach the film’s first exposure, so it’s time to close the camera.

After closing, advance the film to its first frame – that means you’re ready to shoot! Again, mechanisms are slightly different on each medium format camera, so modify these basics as you need to.

When it comes to unloading the film, the take-up spool should now hold the entire roll of used film, while the film holder side should hold your now-empty spool. Simply release the spool holding your used film, making sure to keep the film tight, and it is now ready to send off for developing. Then move the empty spool from the film holder side to the take-up side of the camera and you’re ready to go again!