There’s nothing more heartbreaking than finishing a roll of film, excited to see the results, only to find out your camera was never actually loaded properly. It happens to beginners and seasoned shooters alike, and the worst part? You usually don’t realize until it's too late.
Here’s how to avoid that painful film faux pas, and make sure every frame counts.
1. Slow down and double-check the load.
Rushing is the #1 cause of misloads. Take a breath, open the back of your camera, and gently place the film canister into its chamber. Pull the film leader across to the take-up spool. Make sure the sprockets are catching the perforations on the film—this is key!
2. Watch the rewind knob.
Once you’ve closed the back and started advancing, look at the rewind knob (the little dial on the top left of most cameras). It should spin as you advance the film or take a shot. If it’s not turning, the film likely isn’t moving—and that means it’s not loaded right.
3. Don’t over-pull the film leader.
Pull just enough to reach the spool. Too much film hanging out can cause tension or jams, and too little won’t catch. Aim for a Goldilocks length—just right.
4. Trust the resistance.
After advancing a couple frames, you should feel a bit of resistance when you wind. That’s a good sign. If it feels way too easy, stop and check again.
5. Practice with a dead roll.
If you’re new to film, pick up an expired or already-used roll to practice loading with the back open. It helps build confidence before committing your real shots.
And if you ever have questions about whether your roll came out okay—that’s where we come in!
Our lab not only processes film, we’re happy to help you troubleshoot, spot loading issues, and even print your best frames.
Swing by, drop off your roll, and let us handle the rest. Because every frame deserves a chance to shine.