Fix Old Cameras: Jammed Film Door

[@UniqueSpirit284]

As an owner of two old cameras one of which who's film slot does not open without me undoing the screws I've decided that I will find this channel useful 👍 you are a cool person

[@emilyjoyzeller6392]

Just saved an AE-1 from getting sent out for repair. I can add lock picking cameras to my resume, now. For anyone else with that little detent bar, I was able to hold it out of the way enough with the same paperclip that I could get the shaft back into place. Thank you for this video!

[@joshtabti]

just spent hours taking the camera apart to try and get inside the door, then I find this video hahaha classic

[@FixOldCameras]

Indeed. Thank you for your comment.

[@nikhilprabhu8154]

what can i do if the film door latch is broken?

[@f1remandg]

Love the humerus approach regarding the filed notch it made me 😊 and great work on the information. DG New Forest UK

[@thepiecesfit5049]

Great video helped me clear the spring on my Minolta SRT 100 but I had a different issue. The film door would not open by raising the rewind knob. Turns out the metal bracket was bent nearly 45 degrees on the top. Removed the leatherette, two screws and returned the bracket to a 90 degree angle and everything is perfect again.

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful repair.

[@maxmaldonado1240]

Thank You sir! You are an amazing guy that helped little, old, stupid me fix a problem that could have been avoided if I just thought for a second. Thanks!

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful rescue of a temporary goof up. It happens to us all.

[@TUANY1]

The paper clip method doesn't work when there's film already inside the camera. And the other option is out of the question since the screws there are not ruined and cannot be removed. Any other advice. I really need to get my film out of this camera.

[@OliMonster92]

Absolutely brilliant video! I have an OM-4 that was working perfectly besides a stuck door, because the lifting ring had slipped past the door catch. Watched this video, found the problem and fixed it within 15 minutes. It saved me taking the top plate off and still not finding the problem! I can't thank you enough!

[@FixOldCameras]

Very good to hear that you were able to adapt it to your OM-4.

[@brendanpotgieter7471]

Hey Oli are you able to assist? I have an OM-4 with the same issue?

[@SummerRHanson]

I’m not having luck with the paper clip method... any tips on finding the lever inside?

[@Castrodagon]

Thank you very much! it was an epic oddysey with that claw clip, but i finally made it. the problem was i spinned too much, didnt note it was inverse of clocks and boom, the tube was inside and i couldnt open. thank you again you saved my life

[@nicholiu]

Thanks for this great video. But after I pushed the rewind shaft down and put the paper clip hook into the hole of my Canon F-1, I don't think I can find the door latch. Any advice? Thank you!

[@FixOldCameras]

Well you can fiddle with the paper clip until you engage the latch or with the F-1 you can peel the leather back and remove the door latch cover plate and carefully push the latch up to open the door.

[@nicholiu]

@@FixOldCameras much appreciated, the trick works!

[@sneakytacos773]

For future viewers the latch is at about 10 o clock (when you hold your camera like you were taking a photo)

[@sneakytacos773]

And thank you so much OP this video really came through for me!

[@flowermaze___]

Thanks!!

[@Heliosphan33]

Bought a neglected Nikon FA and this video helped me give it new life.

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear it was helpful.

[@j.kalipinde945]

Which or what tool did you use to unscrew? I'm having a hard time unscrewing mine

[@Heliosphan33]

@@j.kalipinde945 I don’t completely remember but I think it was either a screwdriver from a glasses repair kit or a smartphone repair kit that I got at Walmart for around $17

[@j.kalipinde945]

@@Heliosphan33 thank you so much, like honestly thank you! I pray that u have a really good weekend lok

[@Heliosphan33]

@@j.kalipinde945 thank you :)

[@exquisitearc8498]

I have an FM-2. I have slightly stripped the actual wind knob so that it will only screw onto the shaft when the washer is not in place. Is the washer (placed below the spring plate) absolutely necessary to use in the assembly? Or will I be okay without it? Thanks

[@OMGproducings]

I have a Pentax K1000 and the rewind shaft has not fallen inside the camera. However, lifting the rewind shaft up is not allowing the door to open. Which method is best to avoid damaging the camera? (I'd prefer not not file the shaft)

[@FixOldCameras]

The only reason to file the rewind shaft edge is so that it will clear the detent spring when inserting it to its bushing. In your case, if lifting the rewind shaft does not engage the door latch release, the top cover will probably need to be removed and the lift washer hub seated properly under the door latch catch.

[@OMGproducings]

Admittedly I was a fool and was worried about putting to much pressure on rewind shaft. I only had to add more pressure to get the latch to release. Very informative and well put together video though, thanks.

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear. You were only being careful... nothing foolish about that.

[@valerieblomquist1253]

Um I was the same fool except I took apart the latch and now that its back together, it won't open... and I have searched the internet for any diagrams/manuals/tutorials to figure out how to properly put it together. I have come up with nothing!!

[@svenersson7782]

Very good instruction! Thank you!

[@ArchLinuxTux]

Does the safety lock just lock the rewind shaft in the down position or does it also lock the film door so that it must be moved for the film door to even open when picking the lock?

[@alebarrera26]

Hey do you know how to fix stuck lens of a nikon old camera? Thanks!

[@cesars.photos]

Thanks for the helpful video. I find that unscrewing the cover plate of the latch is a much more easier method. I think the rewind shaft detent is ruined on my Minolta SRT 100 from reasons unknown. The film door doesn't stay close unless the camera is banged on the bottom side while holding the film door in place so that the film door latch can be locked to the film door.

[@FixOldCameras]

The film door latch sounds as if it is not traveling smoothly and is binding or sticking. With the film door open, peel back the leather and remove the door latch cover plate to inspect its function.

[@cesars.photos]

Fix Old Cameras the film door latch seems lose. Feels like there's no spring.

[@FixOldCameras]

There is a film door latch spring that could be broken or disconnected.

[@homer732]

I broke that inside spring, is there any fixing that?

[@avivsegev462]

Thank you so much for making this! Saved me!

[@AyeeSluuuts69]

You're page is so helpful!! I have a few questions though, I recently found a Minolta SRT 202 and the film door is jammed... Would this be the same process for that camera as well? Thank you so much!

[@FixOldCameras]

You can not access the latch plate screws to by removing the front corner leatherette as they heads will be blocked by the leading edge of the door. You can remove the bottom cover and access the latch plate spring tab and push up on it to try and open the door. If the door opens... You can then remove the leatherette and access the latch plate cover and inspect the latch for a malfunction in that area. To discover the issue you might still have to remove the top cover to see what is preventing the door latch from working.

[@AyeeSluuuts69]

i got it fixed! it works now thank you so much

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of the successful repair of your SRT 202.

[@ArchLinuxTux]

Hi, on a Nikon, can the door latch be picked with the ASA dial still in place? If fo how paper clips don't fold their form?

[@emb_78]

I’ve got a Praktica BCA and I tried the pulling back the leatherette method. It’s my grandfather’s old camera and it’s still got film inside. The rewind knob would not move up far enough for the door to open. I tried the pulling up the leatherette method. I got the screws out and it loosened the door a little bit so it is unlocked but not open. I then lifted up the cover plate as far as I can but I can’t see any mechanism of any kind to access the film door latch. What do I do ?

[@FixOldCameras]

Well it is hard to say... from you description it sounds like the proper procedure. Maybe take the bottom cover off to if you can check the base of the latch. You could always pull the hinge pin and try to fiddle the door open from that side. You might have to take the top cover off to see what you might see that is blocking the upward movement of the latch.

[@Paula495]

THIS VIDEO JUST SAVED MY LIFE. THANK YOU

[@FixOldCameras]

Very good to hear.

[@seanm6427]

Fantastic, thank you! This video is just what I needed.

[@McDonaldsRich]

Mine hasn't fallen through, but istead is stuck open. The black tab that you press counter-clockwise is also stuck. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[@lalitatanpipattanakul3552]

You just saved my life! Thank you :D

[@mamiyapress]

After seeing one of your videos I decided to take apart an old Hanimex 70-210 lens to clean it of fungus, I managed to take it apart successfully and clean it but now I do not know the order to replace the lens elements, is there anywhere I can get an exploded view of this lens to fix it?

[@FixOldCameras]

Try not to be discouraged if you cannot find a diagram of your lens. Take careful notes and pictures, if possible, as you attempt to reassemble it, and each time you disassembly it. Some of the lens element placement will be obvious while others will be more intuitive. There is a limited number of combinations that will offer themselves. With the process of elimination you will eventually hit upon the correct one.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

My problem with the film back door is the opposite can't get it to close at all.... It was okay until I started to fit a light trap.... Now I am in trouble....really want to save this old mechanical camera basically a Chinonflex 1000 ttl.....its black too bit rare I think.......?

[@NathanSantiago]

Thanks! it help me find the problem with my om1. it was execess of glue from leather cover.

[@T-Alb]

I have a Nikon F2. I can't lift up comletly the rewinder. Only the inner part. The smal lever on the filmdoor works but he give's the outer part of the rewinder not free.

[@FixOldCameras]

Not clear as to what as happen to your rewind knob. Try looking at another working F2 for some clues. There are only a few parts involved should not be to hard to figure out. Possibly the rewind shaft sleeve where it contacts the door latch link lever is the source of the issue.

[@ldc89]

Simply amazing! It took a handful of tries, and I had to try out a couple of paperclips to get the right bend. It's important to note (at least on my Nikon FE) that the latch is just above the top of the film door. I kept going too far down. Thank you for making such an invaluable video - I can get back to shooting!

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful repair.

[@keithjordan6277]

Thanks, I was about to post a comment asking where the latch is relative to the door/side of the camera. All videos, descriptions and pictures I find assume we know this before the door gets stuck closed and we can't see it :)

[@leightoncameron]

Thanks! That worked well with my old ksx 1000. much appreciated!

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your successful repair.

[@mosen4747]

does this work with canon ae 1 please help

[@mosen4747]

i tried the paperclp but no luck

[@hycarl.1623]

Can u show for canon ae 1 program?

[@hycarl.1623]

Please help for canon ae-1 program

[@MultiMalinche]

Have a Nikon FM and tried unscrewing the two screws of the latch. Won't butch. Tried the paper clip and won't lift. Shaft fell down. What else can I do? Thank you.

[@FixOldCameras]

Keep working the paper clip it. If you can locate the latch lift lever linkage you will feel its resistance as you apply upward pressure and the door will pop open.

[@MultiMalinche]

Thank you much and managed to make it work by moving a small lever around winding knob and lifting up.

[@FixOldCameras]

very good... your persistence paid off

[@MultiMalinche]

Thanks again. Have a Minolta X700 with shutter jammed, have tried recommendations on various forums but with no avail. Once I made it work but then stop doing so. Looks like I'm no hitting the right place. Your advise will be as always very much appreciated.

[@FixOldCameras]

Has the 2nd shutter curtain completed its cycle? If you can see the leading edge of the second curtain protruding past the edge of the left side of the focal plane use your thumbnail to gently nudge the shutter to the end of the cycle. If this is the case and it continues to have this issue you can try to gently increase the shutter tension.

[@davidperez4438]

What if the film door wont stay closed? Please help

[@FixOldCameras]

Make sure the latch hook on the door is not broken or bent out of position, then check to see if the latch hook in the body is stuck in the up position. The spring that powers the latch hook in the body rarely breaks. Check to see if there is something causing a bind in its operation.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

That's my problem too on old chinonflex 1000ttl?

[@glopez5065]

How do you do open a Minolta srt 202? Please

[@FixOldCameras]

If pulling up on the rewind knob does not pop open the film door, the film door latch is probably jammed. The SRT has the same type of cover plate over the film door latch as shown in the Pentax K-1000 video. However the screws to the plate are partially covered by the edge of the film door and require a little finesse to get at the screw heads. Watch for the spring when you remove the film door latch cover plate.

[@jameslopez4446]

Great tutorial

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you.

[@mbecker163]

would this work on a Olympus 35 RC?

[@FixOldCameras]

Very similar. The Olympus 35 RC has a rewind latch cover plate that is held in place with two screws hiding under the leatherette.

[@josdijkstra5937]

Thank you so much. this fixed mine!!!

[@bluebagski]

Another great video........

[@snyden]

Thank you for this! Fixed my problem!!!

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of your success. Thank you for your interest in FOC.

[@heroofnow1]

thanks man i really appreciate this video.

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your interest in FOC videos.

[@seancarrierealestate]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@FixOldCameras]

You are welcome and thank you for your interest in FOC

[@timryan6395]

Wonderful!! Thank you

[@eltenor506]

Many Thanks.!

[@pinakintrivedi7166]

Thank you very much.

[@delodelo1]

Wow - a million thanks !!!!

[@FixOldCameras]

Thank you for your interest in FOC.

[@delodelo1]

R u kidding.... You saved me a ton of grief, money, and time and brought my beloved FM2 back to life.... after so many years of sitting on a shelf...LOL. I just put fresh batteries in it today and plan to add some film to the equation shortly, Thanks again for your informative video. I fixed it in about 7 minutes....

[@FixOldCameras]

Good to hear of you success.

[@ChrisKoehn]

Life saver for my FM2! Thanks!

[@FixOldCameras]

Keep'em going. Good to hear.

[@JohnLoganMcKee03]

Always interesting.

[@wilkermelo123]

THX!

[@Notfound-cq6pn]

EDF

[@DorelMormegil]

Will this work with chinon ce4?

[@jasontarau878]

I have a Pentax MG and my rewind lever broke. I also have another MG just for parts but I can't seem to get the rewind knob off of the top so I can put it on my other camera. Could you please help me? I know some cameras have a screw but the MG doesn't.

[@FixOldCameras]

Apply heat from the tip of a soldering iron to the hub of the knob where it threads to the rewind shaft. Spin it off counter clockwise.

[@jasontarau878]

Great thank-you it worked!