How to Load Film into a 35mm Camera and Save Extra Frames (7 Steps)
How to Load Film into a 35mm Camera and Save an Extra Frame (7 Steps)
Guides and Tips
How to Load Film into a 35mm Camera and Save Extra Frames (7 Steps)
Since film is getting more expensive and each frame counts, the first frame is always interesting to look at because there is only half of the image and how can you save that half frame plus an extra frame gives you a total of 38 shots? (some 39 depends on the brand / person who rolled the film).
Step 1: Check if There is Any Film in Your Camera
By turning the rewind knob, check if there is actually film inserted. Otherwise when you open the back door, film is already exposed in the light and it cannot be recovered.
Step 2: Get the Film Ready and Let the Film Rest
Take the film out from the fridge and place it in the ambient environment and let it rest to match the room temperature, this process takes at least 30mins before you use it. The consequence will be taking fogged images with the moist.
Step 3: Load the Film and Let it Sit on the Advancing Gears
What you need to avoid is, you don’t want the gear to tear the film stripes along the sprocket holes and cause your camera to jam. First, slowly extend the film to the right amount of length that you need and insert in the camera. Then check the film sprocket holes are properly sitting on the film advancing gears, usually on the right hand side next to the slot where you insert the film lead which we call it take-up-spool, some cameras like Nikon have a gap to fit the film lead. Then close the back door and lock with the base plate (if you have any)
Step 4: Advance with Film Lever for the First Frame
Wind the camera to let the shutter cocked, take that shot with your lens cap covered or simply hold it towards your body and take a shot. This is to keep the first half frame unexposed so that you can save one half frame.
Step 5: Make Sure Rewind Knob has Tightened
After advancing the film and shooting the first frame like Step 4. Rewind the lever/ turn the knob to make sure the film is tightened. The tension inside the film canister gives you the best indication of whether the film is properly loaded. In case that it doesn’t turn, you may just rewind the whole film and find a film lead retriever to take the lead out and do the same thing again.
Step 6: Check the Film Counter
Make sure the film now is around 0 at the counter but if you are using Leica M2, you may need to manually change the film counter to show correct film count.
Step 7: Double Check if the ISO Speed has Changed to Match the Film You are Using
Most importantly, make sure you check the ISO speed dial if your camera has a meter or it is a medium format camera that you would like to keep as a reference. If your camera has an in build meter then simply change the dial so that you get the accurate exposures.
You are READY to go!
Need Film Photography Assistance?
If you have any questions related to film photography or you would like to understand more about it, feel free to email me or subscribe for free photography tips below.
Recent Posts
Effortless Elegance: How the Nikon F6 Reigns Supreme in Travel Photography (For Film Shooters) by Kevin D
Lens Hood Options for Leica Summicron 35 KOB, Voigtlander 35/1.5 & Hasselblad Xpan
eBook – How to Inspect and Identify Issues in Used Camera Lenses without Losing Money
Photographer’s Showcase: Vasily Chan
MiNT 35mm Prototype – the New 35mm Compact Camera Update
Mastering the Art of Composition 101: Essential Photography Tips for Beginners
