Universal Minute 16 Camera

Uses 16mm film and produces 10mm X 14mm negatives

The Minute-16 uses 14-exposure magazines loaded with 16mm film. These magazines are reloadable with b&w or color 16mm negative film of either double or single perforation. Since the camera uses the perforation to advance the film, caution should be used to assure that the perforation side is loaded properly in the magazine.

On the back side of the magazine there is a sprue mark, otherwise known as a defect, where they molded the pieces. Some will look like the picture here, some may not be so noticable. The main thing is this lines up with the pin on top.

By inserting a thin blade knife into this area you can work the two halves apart. If you have a small straight punch or finish nail you can push out the pin and the halves should come apart. If a small punch is not handy just insert a thin blade screwdriver at the back even with the pin and push in till you reach the pin, then pry up gently.Be careful and try to perserve the lip around the side as this is the light seal.

If everything goes right you should have the magazine apart like pictured below. At this time remove the pin if you haven't already done so.

Here you have the two halves of the magazine, a film backing plate and a copper take-up guide. That little copper guide is very important to this magazine so guard it well.

Now we will start to reload this cartridge. First you must start in the darkroom and cut you several strips of 16mm film 12 inches long. That is all you will need to produce the 14 images this camera is limited to. In case you are wondering why I have you cut several strips...well you will have to practice several times in daylight before attempting this in the dark.

Start by placing the film backing plate in the magazine with the indented strip upwards. This is the film advance pin trough.

Next take the copper take-up guide and turning it as shown, insert it between the plate guide and the magazine case. It is actually easier to insert it first then the backing plate, just a little preference.

Make sure the the magazine is seated in the copper take-up guide slot.

Then take a strip of film, in the daylight for now, and wind it up into a small roll which is capable of fitting into the film resivoir. While holding about 2 inches of film free, slip the roll into the resivoir and at the same time threading the film between the backing plate and the magazine opening. It should look like the picture here.

Now take the loose end and slanting it upwards thread the film between the copper film guide and the backing plate. Twirl the end around and down inside the film guide. The end of the film should just protrude past the film guide. If it is short the end of the film will catch in the cross bar and will not feed.

When you get through the magazine will look like the picture here. Take time to inspect your work and be sure that the film is seated properly in both ends.

Fitting the two halves together take part magic and part finnesse. You will notice on the picture there is a red dot on the top half and a corresponding dot on the film. This is the trickiest part of putting these magazines together. There is a guide in the top half which must fit between the film and the rear of the backing plate. If you aren't careful, you will catch this guide on the lip of the film and nick it. Then the halves may go together, but the film won't feed.

The trick is to assemble as shown, but keep the film coiled tightly in the film resivoir by holding it with your right hand while inserting the take-up end. Once you have the other end done release the film roll in the resevoir slowly. Then take your finger and try to tighten the coil gently.Now holding the magazine in your left hand ( if you are right handed ) and gently place the top on with the film resevoir side down slightly, trying to fit the upper guide in the right place. It may fit perfectly the first time and it may take a lot of work.

Be sure the halves are perfectly seated. If not you have to take it apart and try again. Sometimes you will have to take out the film and start at the beginning. Remember You are doing these trials in daylight. Think how it's going to be in the dark. Practice, Practice, Practice.

One you are sure the halves went together and are not binding and there is no cracks at either end, it's time to insert the pin. This step you can perform outside the darkroom.

As a safety precaution and to test out your work, try moving the film slightly as if you were advancing a frame. If the film slides either way with a gentle tug then you have reloaded it correctly.

Be sure the halves are perfectly seated. If not, you have to take it apart and try again. Sometimes you will have to take out the film completely out and start at the beginning. Remember, you are doing these trials in daylight. Think how it's going to be in the dark. Practice, Practice, Practice. Here are a couple of pictures taken with a magazine reloaded with Kodak 7231 Radar 16mm film dated 11/25/1996. That white stuff is sleet and ice in Dallas Texas 2/24/2003. The pictures are't all that great because of the jury-rigged 16mm negative carrier using a 35mm carrier.