Leica ABLON style film leader trimming guide.

thingiverse

This Custom Film Leader Trimming Guide is my spin on the original Leica ABLON metal version, tailored to meet the needs of old bottom loading Leicas that demand a much longer film leader than modern 35mm film provides. The guide helps you achieve the right shape to prevent common problems in your camera. Some people may scoff and suggest using scissors, teeth, or a bayonet to trim their film leader, while others will advise against bothering with a trimming guide altogether and simply loading their film without the longer leader. They might even propose shoving their fingers into the shutter opening to wrangle the film into place. To those individuals, I say if you're content doing it that way, be my guest. It's just not for me. As an owner of Leicas, you know the joys and perils that come with this type of camera ownership - the equipment is top-notch, but it doesn't come cheap. Original ABLON metal versions are still available on certain auction sites, although they can be quite pricey. Given my access to a CAD package and 3D printer, I decided to design and print my own version (and share it with the Thingiverse community) for personal use only. Please don't reproduce or sell these guides for profit; this is a non-commercial design intended for your exclusive benefit. Feel free to tag me in any Instagram posts featuring your trimming guide, as you'll find me under "@PariahPics." I hope this custom guide makes loading your Barnack Leica a breeze. Print Settings Printer Brand: CEL Printer: Robox Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: 0.2mm Infill: 10%-100% (your choice) Notes: The model footprint is 135 x 88mm, making it suitable for most printers. Post-Printing Refinement & Finishing Once printed, you might need to clean up a few things depending on your printer's resolution. The small lugs holding the film in place typically require slight filing on the sides, as do the ends of the hinge cylinders, ensuring a neat fit between the two halves. Don't forget to drill out the printed bores using a small bit to accommodate your hinge pin (which I fashioned from 1.6mm stainless welding rod cut to 105mm). The curved edge can be lightly filed or sanded to remove printing burrs; ideally, do this when both parts are mated together to maintain the curve. Position the film into the holder and trim it down on a flat surface (preferably with a cutting mat beneath) or hold it in your hand (keeping fingers away from the edge you'll be trimming along). Use an X-Acto pointed blade to follow the guide edge, applying gentle pressure. Make sure your trimmed film edge doesn't have any nicks or splits that could cause a tear when winding on the film. The purpose of this guide is to help you achieve a nice neat and rounded leader without cutting through a sprocket hole. Use blades with caution; I'm not responsible for any accidents that might occur while using this guide!