regarding the bulk loading... here in Australia my film costs using bulk loading are less than 1/3rd the cost of buying 'factory' loads. The cost of the loader and cassettes are swallowed in the first 30m roll. However, as Jim highlights they have their down sides. You can load your cassettes in the dark to avoid the last frame 1/2 fogged problem but I don't bother, it's never really worried me. I don't have any problems with the start of the roll, so I'm not sure what that refers to. I don't have any problems with scratches, and in fact my negs are much cleaner than any commercially processed stuff I use (C-41 B&W/Colour, E6)(posted 8550 days ago)I guess, what works for some doesn't for others.