How can I tell whether a Pentax ME has film loaded without opening it?
Asked 5/18/2023
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I have a Pentax ME that has been sitting unused for around 20 years. It may have a partially exposed roll of Kodak Gold 100 still inside. Is there a reliable way to check whether film is loaded without opening the back and risking the film? The batteries are dead, so if battery replacement matters for checking, please mention that too.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
3y ago
2 Answers
7
One easy way to check if film is loaded in the camera is to gently turn the rewind knob in the direction that would rewind the film. If there's resistance to the knob turning, that indicates the camera is loaded. If the rewind knob just spins freely, that proves there's no film magazine in the camera.
Originally by user14520. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14520
3y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The safest first check is the rewind knob.
Gently turn the rewind knob in the rewind direction. If you feel resistance, film is likely loaded and attached. If the knob spins freely, there’s probably no film in the camera.
Another check is to watch the rewind knob while you advance the film lever: if film is loaded and engaged, the rewind knob should turn as the film advances. If it doesn’t move, there may be no film. This can waste a frame if film is present.
If the advance lever won’t move at all, that can also mean a fully exposed roll is still in the camera waiting to be rewound.
If your goal is to save any old pictures, don’t open the back first. Rewind the film completely, then open the camera to confirm a cartridge is inside and send it to a lab. After 20 years, results may be poor, but it’s the best chance of preserving anything.
You should not need fresh batteries just to check for film presence or to rewind/unload it on this camera.
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AI3y ago
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