BOLEX SBM User Manual page 6

This space allows light to leak down and fog the edge of
the entire roll. Depending on the light conditions where you
load the film, the leak could be minor. But why take a chance?
To be safe you should load this roll in the dark.
One other thing, when you insert the film spool into the
camera (Position one on the diagram) the film should hang like
this:
Okay, now back to the camera.
To review, you've checked the pressure pad. It is locked
in its position. You've removed the takeup spool and you've swung the loop
formers into position. Now, place the Daylight spool holding the unexposed film
on to the Upper Spindle (2). Pulling down on the film, check to see that the
emulsion (the matte brown side) is facing towards the lens. The Base of the film
(the shiny black side) should be facing the back wall of the camera interior, close to
the viewfinder.
Pull the film down to the Film Knife (14) and cut the end diagonally
between two sprocket holes. (Check the illustration inside the camera.)
Don't forget to remove the piece of film that you cut away.
Press the Release (17 of the Bolex Exterior illustration) while pushing the end
of the film against the upper sprocket (Position A in the Diagram). The film should
be automatically threaded through the gate mechanism. Continue to run the film
through the camera until 12 to 14 inches have run through the mechanism. At this
point stop the camera. Insert the end of the film into the slot on the core of the take-
up spool. Rotate this a few times to ensure that the film will stay secured. Mount
the take-up spool on the Lower Spindle (15). Turn the takeup spool by hand until
the slack is taken up. Note: check that the film isn't caught and running over the
Retaining Arm (13) . This can quite easily happen and will scratch your film.
Open the Loop Formers by pressing the knob in the center of the Loop Former
Control. Run the film for a few seconds to check that film is advancing normally,
the loops at both ends of the film gate are holding, and the take up reel is
functioning.
Replace the lid of the camera. This is not altogether straightforward, for the lid has a
small lip that must be hooked into the interior before the lid will sit flush on the
body. Lock the lid by turning the knob clockwise. Now run the film until the
footage counter reads "0".
You are now ready to go.