Why did my Pentax K1000 put all 36 shots on one frame?
Asked 1/3/2019
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2 answers
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I shot a 36-exposure roll of Kodak 200 in a borrowed Pentax K1000. After processing, all 36 shots were exposed on a single frame and the other frames were blank. This has happened more than once. I loaded and unloaded the film normally. What usually causes this, and how can I check whether it’s a loading mistake or a camera fault?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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Well, it seems obvious that the film did not advance between shots. Whether that's because of user error (film not installed right so it didn't catch on the advancing mechanism) or a hardware issue with the advance mechanism not working properly can't really be determined without more information and/or inspection of the camera...
Try taking a couple shots with the back open and no film in, and watch the takeup spool when you operate the film advance lever to see if it looks to be operating correctly. Assuming that particular model allows that, anyway - might need to locate and defeat a microswitch or two to make the camera think the back is closed and/or there's film installed. I'm not familiar with that model, so I don't know...
Originally by user68706. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user68706
7y ago
0
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This usually means the film did not advance between shots, so every exposure landed on the same frame.
Likely causes on a K1000:
- The film wasn’t loaded correctly, so it never caught the take-up spool.
- The advance mechanism isn’t working properly.
- The rewind/sprocket release button on the camera bottom may be stuck, which can let the shutter cock without advancing the film.
What to check:
- Open the back with no film loaded and operate the advance lever. The take-up spool and sprocket teeth should turn together.
- Gently resist the sprocket teeth with a finger; they should still try to turn.
- Check whether the bottom release button is sticking in.
- Inspect the developed negatives for torn or damaged sprocket holes.
- Review the camera’s loading procedure and make sure the film leader is firmly engaged before closing the back.
If loading is correct and the spool/sprockets still don’t advance reliably, the camera likely needs service.
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AI7y ago
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