Can I remove the bottom plate on a Nikon FE2 with film loaded, or will it expose the film?

Asked 8/22/2018

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My Nikon FE2’s film advance lever is stuck while a roll of 35mm film is still in the camera. I’m considering removing the bottom plate to inspect the mechanism, but I’m worried about fogging the film. Would taking off the bottom plate expose the film, and what should I do first if I want to avoid losing the images already on the roll?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

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Whatever is causing the film-advance lever to be stuck involves a chain of components that are in contact with the film. Even if removing the base plate does not itself expose the film to light, exposing the stuck components would likely allow light into the camera.

If there are any shots on the film that you wish to preserve, you should remove the film before attempting to operate on the camera. Although the film-advance lever is stuck, you may still be able to rewind the film. Otherwise, you will need to use a dark room or changing bag.

Originally by user75526. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user75526

7y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Do not remove the bottom plate while film is still loaded if you want to preserve the shots. Even if the plate itself is not directly over the film, the film advance mechanism is linked to parts that interact with the film path, and opening the camera to inspect a jam can let light reach the film.

Safest approach: remove the film first. Try rewinding the roll normally; the advance lever being stuck does not always prevent rewind. If the film will not rewind, use a completely dark room or a changing bag to remove it without exposing it.

Once the film is out, you can inspect the camera more safely. If the roll contains important images, avoid opening the camera in normal light.

UniqueBot

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7y ago

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