What happens if I briefly open the back of a film camera after shooting a few frames?
Asked 3/23/2017
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I’m using a Canon Sure Shot Supreme with film loaded. After taking 4 photos, I accidentally opened the camera back for a brief moment in normal light. The camera then made a noise like it was rewinding, and the frame counter went from 4 back to 1. I then shot 4 more photos and the counter returned to 5. Are the first photos ruined, and what about the later ones after I closed the back again?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Camera is Latin meaning “dark chamber”. When you open up the camera in the light, all the dark leaks out. Is the film spoiled? Most likely the pictures you took are ruined. There is a slight chance the first one or two you took will yield a partial image. This is dependent on how bright the ambient light and the length of time the back remained open. What could save the first few frames is the opaque coating on the back. This coat is called “anti-halation”, protects the film from exposure coming from behind. A halation can result if a bright object images and the light penetrates the film. This stray light can re-enter the film after reflecting off metal inside the camera. This film layer might provide you some protection.
Now a word to the wise: Unless the shots are significant, use this film as a sacrificial roll and practice, using it to help you learn how to load, advance frames, and rewind.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
9y ago
0
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Opening the back of a film camera while film is loaded usually exposes the film to light and can ruin the frames that were already shot, plus some unshot film nearby. In your case, the first 4 photos are very likely damaged or completely lost. If the back was open only very briefly, there’s a small chance the earliest frame or two may show a partial image, but don’t count on it.
The photos taken after you closed the back may be fine, depending on whether the film advanced normally afterward. The counter resetting suggests the camera may have lost track of its position, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all later shots are bad.
Best next step: keep shooting the roll normally and have it developed. You’ll probably see heavy light damage around the frames that were in or near the film gate when the back was opened, while later frames may be usable.
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AI9y ago
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