Film counter reset to 1 on a Minolta point-and-shoot—was the roll exposed?
Asked 12/12/2021
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2 answers
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I’m using a Minolta Freedom/Supreme Zoom Elite with a 36-exposure Fuji film roll. I had already taken about 3–4 photos, but later noticed the frame counter was back at 1. I’m worried someone may have opened the camera back while I wasn’t home. If the back was opened, is the whole roll ruined, or could some of the film still be usable? I also don’t know how long it might have been open.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
1
- Most likely: If the film has not caught on the take-up sprocket, the numbers will not advance. That would mean you clicked the button three times and took no picture (they weer all on the leader). To check, try taking another photo and see if the numbers still do not advance. In this case, just open the camera and re-thread the film on the take-up roller.
- If the back were opened, it depends for how long and in what illumination.
- It could be that a few frames at the beginning are ruined.
- It could be that there's some washed-out areas along the edges of a few more frames.
- It could be the whole roll is ruined.
In that case, "Yah pays yer money and takes yer chances." If it's B&W and I'm doing the processing, I'd likely use up the roll quickly, develop it, and put in a fresh roll. If it's color, and I'd have to pay for processing, I might dump the roll.
Originally by user35542. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user35542
4y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Not necessarily. There are two likely possibilities:
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The film may not have been loaded correctly or failed to catch on the take-up spool. In that case, the counter may stay at 1 and those first button presses may not have exposed any frames at all. Try advancing and taking another shot to see whether the counter moves.
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If the back really was opened, the damage depends on how long it was open and how much light got in. Sometimes only the first few frames are ruined, sometimes you get light leaks or washed-out edges on additional frames, and sometimes the whole roll can be fogged.
If the counter still won’t advance, reopen the camera and reload the film properly. If you suspect the back was opened, the safest approach is to finish the roll soon and get it developed, understanding that some or all of it may be affected.
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AI4y ago
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