RELOADING SUZUKI CASSETTES

These cassettes are very difficult to reload because they are so small. If you have the slightest problem with arthritis, forget it! Also, be VERY careful with all of the cassette parts. They are soft and easily damaged. You won't want to pay for a replacement -- assuming you can find one!!!!!

Memorize these instructions since you can't refer to them in the dark; better yet, run through the steps with the lights on with scrap film. Gather all your items together -- 16mm film, Suzuki cassettes, scissors, and film template. Wash your hands thoroughly, or use film gloves (obtainable at most camera shops) in order to avoid getting oil or dirt on the film.

1. With the lights on, remove the tape securing the caps from the film-feeder cassette. One of the caps on the film-takeup cassette has a hole in it to allow the camera to advance the film, while both caps on the film-feeder cassette are solid.
2. Completely check the cassette for any loose dirt or film scraps.
3. Turn off the lights.
4. Cut a length of film -- 8.5 inches -- using a template, ruler or whatever you can device. A yardstick with a notch or piece of tape at 8.5" will work fine. (Any type of perforated 16mm film will work with any Suzuki model, but it must be cut into two strips. With double-perf film you can use both sides, but with single-perf film you can only use the strip with perforations.)
5. Wind the film tighly into a roll and pull out a 1" leader. Make sure that the emulsion in wound in toward the center of the roll and that the perforations are on the left-side when the film is pointed up.
6. Slip the leader through the film outlet in the cassette drum while holding the roll of film in the middle. The film slot can be difficult to find in the dark, so you may need to practice with the lights on with a scrap piece of film. DO NOT BEND THE CASSETTE.
7. Place the caps back on the drum and hold them there with your fingers.
8. Tape the two caps with a strip of 1/4" tape.
9. Turn on a dim light.
10. Remove the tape securing the caps from the film-take-up cassette. One of the caps on the film-takeup cassette has a hole in it to allow the camera to advance the film, while both caps on the film-feeder cassette are solid.
11. Completely check the cassette for any loose dirt or film scraps.
12. Tape the leader from the feeder-cassette to the take-up spindle with the perforations closest to the solid end of the spindle.
13. Put the spindle in the cassette drum and hold it in place with your fingers.
14. Replace the caps.
15. Ttemporarily use the film advance wheel to get the take-up spool in the center of the cassette.
16. Tape the two caps with a strip of 1/4" tape.
17. Check to make sure that the film is loaded correctly with the perforations on the opposite side of the cassette opening.
18. Drop the cassettes ito the camera and replace the camera back.
19. Replace the film advance wheel and drop the camera into the lighter body.
20. Insert the lighter into the body.
21. Release the shutter and advance the film.

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