On 4 Nov 1998 19:49:42 GMT, "Dave Terry" wrote:

>Can anyone tell me the difference between the Watson 35mm Bulk Loader and
>the Alden #74?
>Also, what's the diff between the snap film cassette and plastic cassette
>and Kodak snap caps.
>thanks in advance.
>...dave

They work about the same, but if these are the loaders I think they
are, the Alden is a copy of an earlier-version Watson - one I prefer
for being a bit more compact, and for fogging a bit less of the film
end when attaching the film to the cassette spindle. Of the various
cassette types I've tried, I still prefer the Kodaks for their thicker
trap material. When buying new cassettes, I find some will scratch the
film - I mark these, clean them thoroughly, and give them one more
chance... If a cassette does not scratch film, and is kept clean
(I carefully clean the trap and all other surfaces before reloading,
and never leave film in the trap for very long), I get many years
of service from the cassette. With bulk-loading, dust is the enemy,
and it is worthwhile to keep things VERY clean... BTW, during the
very dry winter months here, I find it useful to breath into the
container holding the loaded cassette before sealing it - otherwise
I get static electricity marks on the over-dry film when it is
advanced through the camera. Have fun loading your own!