Why does a 24-exposure roll only give about 18 shots in a film camera?
Asked 10/9/2017
3 views
2 answers
0
A borrowed film camera used for a high school class is only giving about 18 exposures from a 24-exposure 35mm roll. The roll was loaded by the teacher, so user error seems less likely. What could cause this loss of frames, and how can it be checked?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
2
If the gaps between frames are unseemly large and not uniform - as I get from the comments section - you are likely to have a problem with the film advance. Film cameras are by definition old and by now likely to develop issues that require some CLA (Clean, Lube, Adjust).
Over time a layer of sticky goo accumulates in bearings, causing the film advance to turn unevenly. This is a common problem and easily solved, though best left to a skilled repairman. Luckily there are still trained servicemen around.
Originally by user62463. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user62463
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Two likely causes were suggested:
-
Too much film was used up when loading. A 24-exposure roll includes a leader that is already exposed and must be advanced past the film gate. If the camera was advanced too far during loading, several usable frames can be lost.
-
A film advance problem. If frame spacing is unusually large or inconsistent, the advance mechanism may be slipping or advancing too far. Older film cameras often need service (clean/lube/adjust) when lubricants get sticky.
A simple way to test it is with a cheap sacrificial roll: load the film with the camera back open, mark the film at the frame opening edges, and fire/advance one frame at a time. You should see each advance move the film just past the previous frame. If it jumps too far or unevenly, the advance mechanism is the issue. If the spacing looks normal but several frames are lost right at the start, loading technique is more likely.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why did my Diana F+ 35mm adapter only give 18 frames and split/black images?
What happens if you wind past the rated exposures on a roll of 35mm film?
Why did my Pentax K1000 put all 36 shots on one frame?
Why did a 24-exposure 35mm film roll give me 27 shots?
Why did my Nikon FM2 roll have blue scratches and fewer usable frames than expected?