Opened back of film camera, having problems with counter now?

Question

so i was unsure if my film was properly put into my camera, so i want into a dark bathroom (so my film would not be ruined) and opened the back to check that the film was advancing. this caused my frame counter to be reset, and i don't remember how many pictures i took.

so my questions are:

1. since my counter is off, will this effect anything (besides it being harder on myself).

2. is my film still fine to use, or did i mess it up by opening the back (even though very little, if any, light reached the film).

3. is there anyway to get the counter back to the correct number?

thanks!

note: its a 35mm minolta xg-m

Answer 1

The counter makes no difference, except as you say, making it a little more difficult for you. What you will have to do is be VERY careful when you are winding the lever for each new frame. When you encounter a strong resistance to the lever moving, that will be the end of the roll. Rewind the film at that point, even though, or course,the counter is going to be showing less than all frames have been shot.



If there was ANY light in the area when you opened the back, you have likely "fogged" some previously exposed film, ... but depending on the shot, you may actually like the look!



Just go ahead and shoot out the roll and see what results you get. One of the fun aspects of film is the anticipation of seeing your actual photos at a later time. The "instant gratification" of digital cameras can actually take a lot of fun out of photography.



steve

Answer 2

1. No it'll be fine

2. If it was totally dark (pitch black) in the room then it'll be fine. However, even if there was just a little light they could be either completely exposed, or fogged. If there were photos wound onto the takeup spool, these might be ok or fogged, depending on how much light there was. The film that was still in the cartridge should be unaffected.

3. Probably not, but it doesn't matter



Just finish off the rest of the roll as soon as possible, and be aware that the earlier photos might not turn out well when developed, then put in another roll, it's not exactly expensive.

Answer 3

just a quick tip for the future...



If you take up the film slack in your XG-M by turning the rewind handle before you fire a shot...then the rewind handle will spin or turn as you advance the film...this gives confirmation that the film is advancing through the camera properly.



Don't press the rewind button when doing this, just take up the film 'slack', be gentle and you will feel the 'tension'...just don't force anything.

Answer 4

A much easier way is to just watch the film rewind knob on the left top of the camera. If your film is loaded correctly when you push the film advance lever to advance the film and set the shutter the rewind knob will move. If it moves all is fine. If it doesn't then your film isn't loaded correctly.