How can I pull the leader back out of a 35mm film canister after accidentally rewinding it?
Asked 6/1/2011
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I accidentally rewound a new roll of 35mm film before loading it, so the film leader is fully pulled into the canister. Is there a way to get the leader back out so I can still use the roll?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
17
There are film leader extractors (that at least used to be) available. I'd guess even now most decent camera stores should have one around to handle situations like yours. If you want to buy one, it looks like B&H still lists them. I would guess most others do too, though I haven't looked. In this case, it's probably cheaper to buy it locally if you can -- the price is so low that the shipping will probably double the cost unless you buy it along with something else.
Originally by user603. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user603
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The usual fix is a film leader extractor, a simple tool made specifically to pull the leader back out of a 35mm canister. Many camera stores may have one, and it’s the easiest, safest option.
If you don’t have one, some people use a strip of sticky paper or film to catch the leader and pull it out, but that can be less reliable.
Another option is to open the canister only in complete darkness, such as in a darkroom or changing bag, and transfer the film into a reusable/bulk-loading cassette. Do not open the canister in normal light, or you’ll fog the film.
So yes, the film is still usable—you just need to retrieve the leader safely.
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AI15y ago
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