Opened camera back before rewind - can the film be saved?

ted_smith · Jun 20, 2009

Just learned a valuable lesson with my Nikon F5 - ensure the custom function is set to auto rewind when the end of the film is reached! I just opened the back of mine for like half a second forgetting that the film hadn't been rewound!

My question is, is there any point sending it off for development now? I opened the back indoors at about 18:00 this evening. There was no sunlight in the room, but it was daylight lit. Will the whole film be screwed or might it only be the last couple of frames? The film is Fujifilm Astia 100F, 35mm.

Ted

Colin Corneau · Jun 20, 2009

Some will be ruined - almost certainly it won't be completely fogged. Frames closer to the beginning will likely be spared; the only way to really know is process it. Chalk it up to 'lessons learned'...it's happened to plenty of people.

Anscojohn · Jun 20, 2009

If you closed the back quickly and cursed appropriately, most of the film which has covered itself on wind spool should be o.k.

ted_smith · Jun 20, 2009

I might try getting it developed then, thanks.

Kind of off topic now, but as far as I can tell, the Nikon F5 does not have a custom function for automatically rewinding when the end of the film is reached. Do any of you know otherwise? If so, how?

Thanks

Ted

brian steinberger · Jun 20, 2009

Ted, the F5 has to have a custom setting for auto rewind. Find a manual online and look at the custom settings charts.

ann · Jun 20, 2009

as others have suggested you will lose some, but if lucky not all.

i had one of my teenagers do that very thing on tues. i was really worried he lost the whole roll; however, the strip that is exposed from one side to the other was gone. which was expected, and a few images on the take up reel had some that where find and a cuple thqt had banding, but enough to make it worth while to print.

Matt5791 · Jun 21, 2009

Ted - you might be suprised how few you loose - I have done this on a number of occasions with only minor casualties (say 5 frames)

Matt

milosz · Jun 21, 2009

have been there as well- 3, 5 frames tops are gone, rest should be good, as if nothing has ever happened...

Sirius Glass · Jun 21, 2009

Finish the roll and get it processed. You will only loose a few photos.

Steve

railwayman3 · Jun 21, 2009

Definitely have it processed....unprocessed film is quite opaque, so only the top one or two layers may be affected. I can remember my Dad loading his standard-8 amateur movie camera in daylight, where only the outer layers of film protected the rest of the 25 ft spool from fogging.

Matt5791 · Jun 21, 2009

Ahh - don't forget MP film has a backing ensuring all light can not penetrate - so it's more secure than regular 35mm stills film. I load my 16mm this way too with the daylight spools.

ted_smith · Jul 3, 2009

Hey guys

I got it developed, and with the exception of the last frame, they all came out superb!! I'm delighted, and a lesson learned. a) always rewind film! and b) quality film is tougher than you think! I'm delighted with the results of the Astia, having never shot it before.

Below are a few of the shots FYI :

Matt5791 · Jul 3, 2009

Looks great - see noting much to worry about.

Sirius Glass · Jul 3, 2009

Glad we could be of service.

Steve

Opened camera back before rewind - can the film be saved?

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