This article is a "How To" on using the Fuji QuickChangefilm holder system and later re-using with your own film. The system allows multiple exposures using a single film cartridge and film cartridges can be changed at will. Each cartridge hold 8 sheets of 4x5 film and only weigh a few ounces.

This article and the photographs were kindly contributed by Pete Caluori.

All of the photographs in this article are copyright © Pete Caluori 2002.

For permission to use any of the article on this page, please contact f32 or the author directly.

Comments and additional information welcome.

Using the QuickChange system:

Image 1 shows the Fuji QuickChange system: carrying case, film holder and film cartridge. To use, the film cartridge (image 2) is placed inside the film holder and the holder is pushed closed (images 3 & 4.) Insert the loaded holder (image 4) into the camera and withdraw the dark slide, then reinsert it fully (images 5 & 6.) Make the exposure.

Preparing the holder for another shot or removal, is simply a matter of withdrawing the cartridge assembly, allowing the exposed film and septum to drop to the bottom (image 7) then fully reinserting the cartridge assembly (image 8 show it partially reinserted and image 4 fully inserted.) The counter (image 9) will automatically be advanced to the next number or E if there are no more unexposed sheets.

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Unloading/reloading the film cartridge:

1. When the film counter displays E, the dark slide cannot be withdrawn. Manually advance the film counter by using your fingernail, the point of a pen, or some other object in a counter-clockwise direction, until the number 1 is displayed. The remaining steps need to be performed in the dark.

2. Slide the two recessed tabs on the end of the film cartridge (image 10) to release the end and slide it off (image 11 shows it partially removed.)

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4. Remove the septums then remove the sheets of film from the septums. (Image 13 shows the unloaded septums and the disassembled film cartridge.)

Prepare the septums and film cartridge for reloading by carefully cleaning all surfaces. The septums are plastic and will attract dust if electrostatically charged, so use caution and avoid wiping them. Increasing the relative humidity will aid in this regard.

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5. The edges on the open end of the septum are pinched closed (image 14) so a sheet of film simply cannot be slid into place. Cupping the film, so that the emulsion side is convex shaped and closest to inside of the hand, is easiest.

The long edges of the film are allowed to slip under the lips of the septum (image 15, note the slight convex curl to the film) and the film is pushed down under the bottom lip. The film will pop into place and be locked into position. This can be checked by grasping the film through the notch on the septum and wiggling it back and forth. If the sheet of film comes loose it wasn't properly seated.

Image 16 shows a properly loaded sheet. Please note image 16 depicts the loaded septum oriented in the wrong position for loading into the film cartridge; the loaded septum should be rotated 180 degrees CW or CCW, so the notch is at the top left.

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6. Once all of the septums are loaded, the film cartridge can be put back together. It's beneficial to have the dark slide partially inserted, so you don't have to fumble in the dark.

With the dark slide oriented towards your right, the septums are loaded film side up, with the notch oriented towards the top left. Push down on the edge of the septums (against the tension of the spring) and slide the dark slide over the loaded septums; image 17 shows the loaded septums, with the dark slide partially covering them.

With the dark slide fully inserted, replace the end cap by pushing until it locks in position. Once reassembled, with the end cap on properly, the dark slide should be locked in position. The dark slide can only be withdrawn when the cartridge is properly inserted in the film holder.

Congratulations, you are now ready to take pictures!

Pete Caluori 2002

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