Camera Issues That RUIN YOUR FILM (And the Fixes)

[@randallstewart1224]

The video mentions one of two major issues causing light strikes on 120 roll film. He discusses keeping the roll tightly wound after exposure. The omitted issue is keeping the roll tightly wound onto the take-up spool when loading and advancing the paper leader to the "start" index mark. If you pull out excess leader to help get the end-tab into the take-up spool, then start advancing the leader and film to the first frame on the roll, that first length of paper leader can wind loosely on the spool, billowing out and increasing the diameter of the exposed film roll on its spool. This situation, often referred to as "fat roll", can cause two issues: (1) when fully exposed, the last couple of wraps of film and end paper can expand to stick out beyond the spool flange and get exposed to light, and (2) the "fat roll" can get large enough in the camera to jam in the film take-up chamber before you fully expose the roll. I shot 120 film for 35 years before I experienced this second problem in a Pentax 67. It turns out that Pentax devoted a full page in the camera manual to the issue and its avoidance, but then with YT, who reads manuals.

[@photozen8398]

Right to the point….thx

[@fleursmits]

Thanks for sharing! How does it work with light damage to your film roll when you enroll it, for example to scan and develop by yourself at home? Is it damaging to your film when you hold it like you did at 6:47?

[@thefindlab]

That roll had already been developed so it's fine to have it out in the light. If the film was not yet developed and it was out in the light like that it would be ruined.

[@edopaul8393]

I left my camera in the car for like 45 minutes on a pretty sunny / hot day and there is a portra 400 already shot halfway through in it. Will it destroy the shots I have already taken?

[@thefindlab]

Nope, we expect the film will be perfectly ok after that amount of time! We would just recommend not storing film in the Car because the heat can damage it over the longer period of time. 45 min shouldn't be an issue.

[@camellia7854]

I have a problem with my film camera. The internal lens shows the images being slightly brown and blurry. I cleaned the lens but the problem still exists. What should I do?

[@thefindlab]

What is the camera?

[@camellia7854]

@@thefindlab PENTAX zoom90-WR

[@thefindlab]

Is it the lens that is taking the photo that has the issue? Not the viewfinder?

[@camellia7854]

@@thefindlab I'm not sure.. Could the problem be from the filme? Or is the problem related to the camera? - I already tried to disassemble the camera, but there is no dust or anything like that on the lens

[@thefindlab]

It's going to be hard for us to diagnose without more detail. The nice thing is those cameras are fairly inexpensive so if you are having issues it shouldn't be too difficult for find a replacement.

[@TylerCahoon]

So I found a new one the other day. I got a roll back from you guys and I was trying to figure out what happened. I realize I put my camera on top of my wireless phone charger in my car and it created some crazy stuff happening on my film. So don’t put it on a wireless phone charger.😂

[@thefindlab]

Oh interesting, that one is new to us too. Thanks for the heads up! We might have to try recreating that.

[@TylerCahoon]

@@thefindlab would love to see if you could recreate it. I was driving around on that charger in my Tesla for a while so I don’t know how many times I had set it down on there. If you want to see some pictures, let me know. I can send them to you somehow.

[@thefindlab]

We would love to see them!

[@jonathancanlas]

that's wild!