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I’m on maybe my 5th roll of film since I took possession of my 67 a couple of months ago. Every time I load a new roll, I find it very difficult to align the slot on the film spool with the keyed protrusion in the camera’s film cavity (directly beneath the shutter speed dial). If I don’t get lucky, then I can’t lock the bottom key into place and then I struggle to pull the roll out to try again.

I’m always worried the film will begin to unroll and I’ll contaminate the film while I’m futzing around.

Is there a simple trick to this process that I’m overlooking? I’ve not seen anybody struggle in the same manner or mention this difficulty in any videos of the subject. Thanks in advance.

It can be tricky to line-up either of the spools, I find it easier to look at the removed spool to see which way it's aligned. You could try to load the spool before removing the securing tape (haven't tried this myself).

Thanks, John,

The frustrating part is not being able to get my fingertips at the edge of the spool to extract it. [I resist the urge to turn the camera over and tip it out!]. Maybe I need to work at twisting the bottom key slightly to engage the slot.

I find it easier to flick the spool out from the bottom by levering it out by the flange, creating just enough purchase to pull the top out. The latches often won't go fully home without wiggling the top of the spool into position.

I’ll try that - glad it’s not just me - I’d like to think I’m not totally inept, mechanically ! ! 😉

Always put the camera on a tripod when loading/unloading film. That way you can use both hands to deal with the film. The non-MLU cameras were much harder to load/unload due to the spool pins being longer. Many of us have shortened the pins to aid in film changing. The MLU bodies take much practice to get this operation under control, although easier than the non-MLU bodies. The more you rush the operation the worse it gets. Take your time!

That is why famous 6x7 Users like Sam Haskins employ under-paid assistants to load and unload their Pentaxes -- the Assistant gets £ 25 a week and Sam Haskins gets £ 1.000 for 'pushing the button' !

Hi - Loading film in the P67 does appear to be a PITA - I struggled and still struggle to some degree - but I found this video helpful :