Premature rewind occurs when film unexpectedly rewinds into the magazine before it reaches the end of the roll (before all the pictures have been taken).

There are no mechanical parts (batteries, springs, or wheels) inside a roll of film to make it advance or rewind. Successful film transport depends solely on the camera's mechanical action. Kodak has investigated premature rewind situations and has found them to be related to:

1. Film loading errors.

   • Refer to your camera's User's Guide for instructions on how to load film.

   • See Loading and Advancing 35 mm Film.

   
   

2. Camera operation errors, such as:

   • The camera door is accidentally opened and the camera rewinds when the door is closed.

   • The camera is turned off, the battery or film door is opened and closed, and the camera is turned back on.

   • The camera is subjected to cold temperatures that affect the logic.

   • The film rewind button is accidentally activated.

   
   

A missing film leader usually indicates that the film has been exposed and is ready to be processed. If there is any doubt that the film may have been exposed (pictures have been taken), we recommend you have the film processed. It would be extremely disappointing to re-use the film and lose both the original and the new set of images!

For 35 mm film only:
If you are certain that the film has not been exposed (it is a fresh roll of film and no pictures have been taken), it is possible to retrieve a film leader from a 35 mm film magazine so that the film can be loaded in a camera. The safest way to retrieve the film leader is to take it to your local photo retailer or photofinisher. If you do not want to do that, try this at home:

1. Obtain some 1 in. (2.54 cm) wide plastic tape (the kind used to make embossed labels). This tape is available at stationery stores.

2. Cut a piece of tape several inches long, and remove the backing to uncover the adhesive.

3. Insert the tape into the film magazine slot.

4. Turn the magazine hub several times to pull some (but not all) of the tape into the magazine and to help the adhesive side of the tape attach itself to the film leader.

5. Gently withdraw the tape from the magazine. The film leader should be attached.

If you continue to experience premature rewind, we recommend that you have your camera checked for proper operation.