If you’ve ever had a mini heart attack while handling your film—snapped film, a roll that rewound too far, or a mysterious error you can’t identify—you’re not alone. Film is beautifully analog, but that also means things can occasionally go wrong. The good news? Many of these issues are fixable, especially if you bring your film to a trusted film lab like PhotoLounge.
Let’s talk about a few common problems and what not to do when they happen:
1. Snapped Film
If your film tears while rewinding or advancing, stop what you're doing and don’t pull on it. Forcing anything might cause more damage. We have tools to carefully extract torn film inside a canister or camera without ruining the images you’ve already captured.
2. Film Rolled Back In
It’s happened to even the most seasoned photographers—you load your camera with a brand new roll of film and the leader rolls back into the canister. Luckily, we have a film tip extractor that can pop it right back out if you bring us the problem roll. We can help you out for no cost!
3. General Film Troubleshooting
From weird light leaks to concerns about expired film or possible double exposures, a knowledgeable lab can be your best friend. We’ve seen it all, and we're happy to help you troubleshoot before or after processing. Sometimes what seems like a disaster turns out to be nothing or even a cool effect!
Bottom line: Don’t despair if something goes wrong with your roll. These problems are often very fixable, and your photos might still be safe. The worst thing you can do is try a DIY fix that damages the film further. Instead, stop by a trusted lab like PhotoLounge and we’ll handle your film with care, answer your questions, and help you make the most of every shot.
Film is an adventure. Let us help you enjoy the ride even when there’s a bump in the road.