How to Load Film into the ImageTech 3D Wizard
This page will show you how to make sure your ImageTech 3D Wizard is functioning and how to load film into your camera. If this is your first time using your ImageTech 3D Wizard, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
For more information on the camera, you can see the ImageTech 3D Wizard camera page.
Before You Load Film
Batteries Not Required
The ImageTech 3D Wizard has a mechanical shutter. No batteries are required to use the camera.
If you want to use the built-in flash, 2x AA batteries will be needed.
Make Sure There is No Film Loaded in the Camera
If there is any film left in the camera, it will be ruined if it is exposed to light. The ImageTech 3D Wizard has a film window in the back door which will allow you to see if a 35mm film canister is loaded into the camera.
If there is film in the camera, follow the steps on how to rewind and unload film from the ImageTech 3D Wizard.
Make Sure the ImageTech 3D Wizard Functions Correctly
If your ImageTech 3D Wizard has not been used in a long time or if it is your first time using the camera, check to make sure the shutter is functioning correctly before loading 35mm film.
Cock the shutter by turning the thumb wheel film advance. After several turns you will hear a click, which means the shutter is ready to fire.
With the back of the camera still open and the built-in lens cover down, point the camera towards a light source or white wall. Look at the back of the lenses and push the shutter release button. You should see a brief flash of light or white if the shutter is working correctly.
Do Not Load Film in Sunlight
Loading film in direct sunlight or bright light can expose more than just the film outside of the canister through light piping.
Light piping is when light is able to get through the light seal on a 35mm film canister. This often will not completely expose the film, but can cause it to end up with varying degrees of fogging.
Fogging can produce a range of undesirable outcomes such as a loss of contrast, blown out streaks along edges, or a completely exposed frame. The problem should subside as more images are taken.
Film Choices
I do not have a manual for the camera that lists what film speeds should be used. The manual for the ImageTech 3Dfx camera says that the camera should be used with ISO 400 film, and I can see that as working well.
I’m also guessing that the shutter speed is a fixed 1/60 or 1/100 of a second. The aperture settings are likely f/8, f/11, and f/16.
You’re going to get the best results by using a light meter and then selecting a film speed that will work best for the conditions you are in. Using a flash that has controllable output is also a good idea.
Keep in mind that film degrades in quality over time. Keep film away from hot temperatures like those found in a car on a sunny day or attic during summer.
For the best results, use a fresh pack of film that is not expired. My recommendations are:
Black Black & White White
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Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
This will show you how to load film into the ImageTech 3D Wizard. For demonstration, I am using an exposed roll of film found in a thrift store camera.
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Open the film door.
To open the film door on the ImageTech 3D Wizard, push down on the film release lever on the side of the camera.
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Make sure the film rewind knob prongs align with the film canister.
The film canister needs to be aligned with the rewind knob prong poking down.
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Load the roll of film.
The film roll gets loaded into the left side of the camera with the film leader on the bottom. The film leader is the rounded half-width section at the start of every roll of film.
If you have any trouble getting the film canister in, try rotating the film rewind knob a quart turn.
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Pull the film leader over to the film take-up spool.
With your left hand hold the film canister in place. With your right hand gently pull the film leader over to the take-up spool.
Make sure to pull the film over far enough for the perforations in the film to align with the sprockets located in line with the top and bottom film perforations.
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Close the film door.
Carefully close the film door. You want to make sure the film stays aligned with the sprockets so it will be advanced correctly.
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Advance the film and fire the shutter.
Use the thumbwheel to advance the film. Watch the film rewind knob, it should also turn if the film is loaded correctly.
Fire the shutter, and repeat the process until the film counter is on the first frame. This process will get rid of the film that was exposed during the loading process.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! Your camera is now loaded with film and ready to shoot.
Once you’ve shot the roll of film, check out this guide that will show you how to unload film from the ImageTech 3D Wizard.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.
How to Know When a Roll of Film is Done?
The film roll is used up when you are no longer able to easily turn the thumbwheel film advance. Do not try to force the film to advance. This usually aligns with two-thirds the number of exposures the roll contains that can be seen on the film counter.
This is because every shot with the ImageTech 3D Wizard takes 3 half-frame images which use 1.5 standard 35mm frames. Most rolls of film will have either 24 or 36 exposures, which will be able to take 18 or 24 exposures with the ImageTech 3D Wizard camera.