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Preventing 35 mm Premature Rewind

Preventing Premature Rewind of 35 mm Cameras

Document updated August 20, 2003.

1. What is premature rewind?
   Premature Rewind is when film rewinds:
   • Before reaching the end of a roll, or
     
   • Upon loading a new roll of film before any pictures are taken
     

   There are no mechanical parts inside a roll of 35 mm film to move it along. The film depends on the mechanical action of the camera for successful transport when being advanced or rewound. It is critical to follow the camera manufacturer's film loading instructions carefully.
   
   

2. What errors can occur during film loading?
   These errors may occur during film loading:
   • Film magazine isn't properly seated in the supply chamber of the camera's film compartment.
     
   • End of film extends beyond Film-Load mark (long-loading).
     Note: Long-loading can also cause film to jam during picture-taking.
     
   • End of film falls short of the Film-Load mark (short loading).
     
   • Rewind crank is turned too far when removing slack in the film, after loading.
     
   • New film is loaded without batteries in camera. When batteries are installed, camera goes into rewind.
     
   
   
   
3. What errors can occur during picture-taking?
   These errors may occur during picture-taking:
   • Camera door is opened accidentally during winding (or when advancing to initial-picture position). Camera goes into rewind when door is closed.
     
   • Camera is turned off, the door opened, and the camera turned back on.
     
   • Camera's logic is "tricked" into an abnormal state when user experiments with electronic features.
     
   • Camera's logic is lost due to effects of cold temperature on the batteries.
     
   • Film rewind button is accidentally activated.
     
   
   
   
4. How does one prevent film-loading and picture-taking errors?
   Load the film properly, insuring that:
   • Magazine is correctly seated in supply chamber.
     
   • Film extending from magazine lies flat.
     
   • End of film is lined-up with Film-Load mark.
     Note: If camera does not have such a mark, follow manufacturer's instructions.
     

   If you have a similar experience with film in the future, and all camera adjustments and controls are properly set as recommended by its manufacturer, you may want to have your camera checked for proper operation.