Bulk loader comparison: advantages and disadvantages of popular models

Manually loading 35mm film saves money in the long run and allows for custom roll lengths – provided you have the right bulk loader. We compare the technical features of the most common models and show which loader suits which needs.

AP Bobinquick Junior: compact metal body with counter and remaining film indicator

 

Photo: Fotoimpex.de

Advantages:

• Precise counter for 1–36 frames per roll $$ [6][27]
• Remaining film indicator shows remaining meters on the bulk roll [6][27]
• Robust metal construction with ASA/ISO marker [6][12]
• Low film waste due to short leader [9][17]

Disadvantages:

• High price (approx. 85–100 € vs. 50 € for Lloyd) [1][4]
• Complex handling: light lock must be manually engaged [1][16]
• Tight working space when changing cassette [9]

 

Buy at Fotoimpex.

Legacypro Lloyd 35mm: plastic housing with crank and rotary scale

 

Photo: Kamerastore.com

Advantages:

• Easiest operation without moving light traps [2][7]
• Cheapest new loader (from 50 €) [4][12]
• Compact design – fits in any camera bag [3][9]
• Minimal film waste due to short leader [17][22]

Disadvantages:

• No counter – estimate frame count via crank turns [7][16]
• Felt light shutter can catch dust and cause scratches [9][22]
• Plastic housing prone to breakage from drops [3][9]

Buy at Kamerastore.

Watson models (100/66): Classic metal loader with side crank

Photo: Lot's O Camera Stuff on eBay.com

Advantages:

• No felt – labyrinth-like light traps reduce scratch risk [9][26]
• Compatible with Nikon-AM/Leica-FILCA cassettes [9][25]
• Sturdy metal construction survives even hard shocks [3][34]

Disadvantages:

• Large-volume housing (2× the size of Lloyd) [3][16]
• Long leader wastes 1–2 frames per roll [17][22]
• Hard to find – mostly only used [9][29]

Buy on eBay.

Alden 74: Rectangular design with yellow winding crank

Photo: Brian's Camera Shop: Foto Works Canada

Advantages:

• Automatic cassette closure for Leica/Nikon systems[8][25]
• 200-foot capacity for large projects[9][25]
• No light traps – dust-resistant design[4][25]

Disadvantages:

• Modification needed for FILCA cassettes[25]
• Complex mechanics with 15 individual parts[8][25]
• Hard to find – production discontinued[4][8]

LPL Dayroll Deluxe: Round loader with integrated data disc

Photo: Kamerastore.com

Advantages:

• Automatic light slider prevents scratches [26][31]
• Rotary dial logs film type/exposure numbers [10]
• Classic design with metal gear train [31][36]

Disadvantages:

• Only available used (no longer produced since the 1990s) [31][36]
• Heavy cleaning needed for dust in the gears [26]

Buy at Kamerastore.

Comparison table

Model	Price (new)	Counter	Film waste	Compatibility
AP Bobinquick	85–100 €	✔️	0.5 frame	Standard cassettes
Legacypro Lloyd	50 €	❌	1 frame	Standard cassettes
Watson 100	€70 (used)	❌	2 frames	Special cassettes
Alden 74	€120 (used)	✔️	1 frame	Leica/Nikon
LPL Dayroll	€60 (used)	❌	0.5 frame	Standard cassettes

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Conclusion

The AP Bobinquick Junior remains the benchmark for perfectionists [1][6], while the Legacypro Lloyd is the budget alternative for occasional users [2][7]. If you own vintage cameras, you should look out for Alden 74 or Watson loaders [25][9]. All models require care when loading – an accidentally opened lid ruins the entire bulk roll [3][16]. Otherwise, there are some rarer bulk loaders on the used market not listed in this article. Those who want to search themselves can look for devices from Computol, Ducati, Kodak Day-Load, RF Hunter "Wasp", Kaiser, Ansco & more. 

Tip: Regularly clean the felt light sliders with isopropyl alcohol and check used loaders for cracks in the housing [9][14].

And finally, a bit of self-promotion: 

After portioning, the film naturally also needs a tab for threading. We offer two templates for this: 

1. Short standard template 

2. Long 10cm template specially for LTM Leicas similar model Ablon

Sources:

1. Worth it oneself der expensive AP Bulk Loader? (Reddit)
2. AP Bobinquick Junior Review (YouTube)
3. Lloyd Bulk Loader Review (YouTube)
4. Best Bulk Loader? (Reddit)
5. Bulk Loading – Saves it really Money? (35mmc)
6. AP 35mm Film Loader – Bobinquick Junior (Macodirect)
7. LegacyPro Lloyds Bulk Loader + Free Film cartridge (Nijmegenpasfotofilm)
8. Bulk Film Loading Tutorial (YouTube)
9. Bulk Loader Showdown (Rangefinderforum)
10. Bulk Film Loading for Bargain hunters (Darkroomuser)
11. AP Bobinquick Junior – Product page (Retrocamera)
12. LegacyPro Lloyd 35mm Bulk Loader (Freestylephoto)
13. Bulk Film Loading Tutorial (YouTube)
14. Worth it oneself a Bulk Loader for Film? (Photrio)
15. Discussion about Bulk Loader (Film and Darkroom User)
16. Alden 74 Film Loader Review (YouTube)
17. Best Bulk Loader? (Photrio)
18. Discussion: Which Bulk Loader ist der beste? (Dpreview)
19. Beste Bulk Loader Marke? (Rangefinderforum)
20. Bulk Film Loading against rising Filmpreise (Beyond The Aperture)
21. LegacyPro Lloyd Bulk Loader Discussion (Photrio)
22. Comparison by Bulk Film Loadern (Photo.net)
23. Money save mit Bulk Film Loading (DIYPhotography)
24. Bulk Film Loading Manual (Shoot It With Film)
25. Alden 74 Modification for Bulk Loading (Merefilmphoto)
26. LPL Dayroll Film Loader Manual (Photo.net)
27. AP Bobinquick Junior Bulk Loader (Fotoimpex)
28. LegacyPro 35mm Film Daylight Bulk Loader (Splendid)
29. Bulk Loader on eBay (eBay DE)
30. Best Film Loader? (Photo.net)
31. Bulk Film Loader Photo (Flickr)
32. Bulk Film Loader Accessories (Macodirect)
33. LegacyPro Bulk Loader Product page (Digitaltruth)
34. Aging by Watson Film Loader (Photo.net)
35. Alden 74 Bulk Loading Tips (Merefilmphoto)
36. Bulk Film Loader Inside view (Flickr)
37. Bulk Film Loading for Anfänger (YouTube)