How to load film into the blackbird,fly (BBF) camera

An otherwise boring (insomniacs if you need a cure look here) tutorial on how to load film into your BBF (blackbird,fly) camera. This can be a bit fiddly until you have done it a couple of times (loading film into a Horizon panoramic camera is even more of a challenge IMHO), so I hope this visual guide helps!
Please note - if you find that you are winding the film on after loading and the film advance knob does not 'lock' in place then this means the film leader has not properly engaged in the take up spool and you will need to open the back and try again.
(After each exposure the film will advance a certain amount and then the film advance knob will stop winding on, indicating that the camera is ready for photography and the shutter needs to be released before the wind on knob will advance again)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• tutorial
• toycamera
• blackbird fly
• BBF
• www.theplasticlens.com
• Cameron Stephen
• Powershovel
• Superheadz
• loading film
• how-to
• 35mm TLR

[Dandana52]

sounds like a porno.

[theplasticlens]

@Dandana52 - maybe, I wouldn't know I'm sure. Do you watch much porn?

;-)>

[demontrash101]

I need some help. I just bought a blackbird fly camera on amazon, but I couldn't buy the film because I'm from Puerto Rico. I'm going to Tampa, Florida at the end of this month for the holidays. Is there any store were I can buy it, just like when someone buys polaroid's film on office depot?

[theplasticlens]

@demontrash101 - I know I'm late with this reply (sorry) but the BBF takes 35mm film, which as far as I know is still readily available just about anywhere, including the local supermarket, photography stores, chemists etc. etc. So I hope you had no trouble finding this film in Florida. I'd be very surprised if there was no 35mm film available there...

[theplasticlens]

@demontrash101 - I know I'm late with this reply (sorry) but the BBF takes 35mm film, which as far as I know is still readily available just about anywhere, including the local supermarket, photography stores, chemists etc. etc. So I hope you had no trouble finding this film in Florida. I'd be very surprised if there was no 35mm film available there...

[theplasticlens]

@lUv3atING - I think you might be a bit confused about the whole concept of analogue photography. Once an image is exposed onto the film, it is there for good. Unlike digital, once you trigger the shutter, there is no turning back, no deleting, no changing it (except for the option of multiple exposure over original exposures)

There is no 'delete' button/option in film, you are stuck with your shots, like them or not. I think this factor makes for better photography in the long run.

[ShiroKageryu]

I'm really having problems loading up the film into my camera. When I try rolling the film after putting it into the slot, it just lets go of it :/ very frustrating.

[ZemyxKyousou]

thankyouu~ ^_^ i was failing so badly; i really needed this.

[cheezbeenzriz]

would a recesky tlr do good? cuz both look cheap... I don't want to spend 100+ on a lomography camera that's why.

[afrocubanita1969]

Nice Vid - Cheers! ;-)

[Deetroiter]

I have had my camera for like a year and only shot a few rolls on it. Reason why is I keep getting these perfect lines running through the pictures when I get them developed. Have no idea why the hell it happens. The pictures turn out awesome, just get these lines through them, almost like they are scratches. I've read about others having the same issue. Anyone know what causes it or the solution? Thanks

[subarux56]

just wondering when i try to developed the picture instead of the picture its blank do you know what i'm doing wrong?

[muteternal1234]

your voice is so sexy

[mydaymyday]

why r u whispering? So difficult to catch a word

[wesley1183]

@lUv3atING a no need already i have 1 seller selling to me