Leica ABLON style film leader trimming guide.

This film leader trimming guide is my take on the original Leica ABLON metal version. Old bottom loading Leicas need a much longer film leader than is cut into modern 35mm film, the guide helps to get the right shape to prevent things going awry in your camera.

Some people will sneer and say "just use scissors/teeth/bayonet and guess the shape", others will say "don't bother, just load your film without the longer leader, stuff your fingers in through the shutter opening and wrangle your film into place".

To those people I say if you're happy doing it that way, great, carry on. It's just not my bag, man. And if Oskar Barnack wants a long neat leader, that is what he shall get. :)

While the originals are still available on a certain auction site, they are somewhat expensive. One of the joys/perils of Leica ownership I guess, the stuff is nice, but pricey.

So, as I have a CAD package and a 3D printer I decided to make myself one (and share it with the Thingiverse community). All I ask is that you don't make them to sell for profit. This is a non-commercial design for your personal use.

Feel free to tag me in your Instagram pics if you post any of your trimming guide, you'll find me as "@PariahPics" on there. I hope it helps you load your Barnack Leica with ease. Be sure to look at the Post-Printing section for further info.

Edited 16th November 2011:
The guide is exactly the same except now I have added the two parts as individual files for people that need them separated. I have also added a Sprue version where the two halves are connected with small sprues that can be cut off after printing. Hopefully this will keep the costs down for people using a 3D printing service and pay "by the part". The sprue version should now count as one piece.