What Happened to this Shot?

[faberryman]

OK I will start keeping a log, I was really enjoying shooting and was completely confused when the incident happened... I was even more confused that this happened on shot 9 and the rest of the roll turned out great. So I hope its not a mechanical issue and rather my fault. But I will stop being so careful and learn how to properly handle the camera etc!

Some people find keeping logs helpful. I think it is a complete waste of time for 35mm. I do log lens and exposure information for my large format work though.

 

[Thomas King]

Thank you for posting the picture of the film strip, very helpful. Post 37, 38, and 40 are the most likely.
Now, open the camera back and inspect the take up sprockets. If the sprocket does not turn freely then use the advance lever to turn the take up. Check for any deformation of the sprockets.
Next hold your thumb against the center of the sprocket applying some pressure and advance the film lever as if advancing to the next frame, trip the shutter and repeat 3 or 4 times.
Does the sprocket turn with the advance lever without slipping. Increasing the pressure on the sprocket should make the advance lever harder to move.

Damaged/deformed sprocket(s) or slippage is a problem with the advance system.

I have a Pentax SP1000 at hand, the sprocket turns freely until the advance is operated 1 time then its locked to the film advance movement. Your camera should operate similar.

Sorry when you say 37, 38 and 40 do you mean that the issue of accidentally putting pressure on the rewind knob or some other kind of human error? I shall perform your test now!

UPDATE: I performed your test now and first checked for visible deformities with the sprockets; there aren't any which is good. Next I put my finger on the sprocket and turned the advance lever which was indeed harder to turn as a result of the pressure I applied. Does this mean i'm in the clear?

 

[AgX]

Thomas, good that you posted.that photo of the strip. I think my theory of you pressing the unlocking-button during advancing is still valid, and that damaged perforation hole is due sudden resist on the sprocket wheel at at that moment. (Though without knowing exactly the mechanics in your camera the latter is guessing.)

 

[Thomas King]

Thomas, good that you posted.that photo of the strip. I think my theory of you pressing the unlocking-button during advancing is still valid, and that damaged perforation hole is due sudden resist on the sprocket wheel at at that moment. (Though without knowing exactly the mechanics in your camera the latter is guessing.)

Great... so human error rather than mechanical error?

 

[AgX]

I think so.
That holding of the sprocket wheel with the finger for testing does not tell much, as the strip shows that film was transported correctly for all other frames.
One thing a bit more realistic to do can be to use a spare film cassette (will come handy for several other uses) and "expose" a whole film, with the back open, watching the sprocket wheel for turning. Then wind back, but without letting the film slip into the cassette, and repeat this many times.

 

[Thomas King]

I think so.
That holding of the sprocket wheel with the finger for testing does not tell much, as the strip shows that film was transported correctly for all other frames.
One thing a bit more realistic to do can be to use a spare film cassette (will come handy for several other uses) and "expose" a whole film, with the back open, watching the sprocket wheel for turning. Then wind back, but without letting the film slip into the cassette, and repeat this many times.

will try this also, thanks for all your help!

 

[shutterfinger]

Yes I was referring to the information in post 37, 38, and 40.
If the sprockets did not slip then the mechanics should be fine.
Be sure to push the advance lever until it stops when advancing film. Not reaching the end of the advance stroke will cock the shutter sometimes without fully advancing to the next frame.

 

[Thomas King]

Yes I was referring to the information in post 37, 38, and 40.
If the sprockets did not slip then the mechanics should be fine.
Be sure to push the advance lever until it stops when advancing film. Not reaching the end of the advance stroke will cock the shutter sometimes without fully advancing to the next frame.

OK great thanks so much! Glad to know it was just human error on my part. It seems as if the case is now closed!

 

[AgX]

Not reaching the end of the advance stroke will cock the shutter sometimes without fully advancing to the next frame.

Good point.
Never checked that.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Some people find keeping logs helpful. I think it is a complete waste of time for 35mm. I do log lens and exposure information for my large format work though.

When learning, keeping a log can be tremendously helpful, regardless of format.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

OK great thanks so much! Glad to know it was just human error on my part. It seems as if the case is now closed!

Thomas,
At the end of the day, it's not a rare or expensive camera. As long as you don't force anything, drop it, get it wet, or clean the lens with sandpaper you're not likely to damage it. Just take your time to become comfortable with it.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thomas,
At the end of the day, it's not a rare or expensive camera. As long as you don't force anything, drop it, get it wet, or clean the lens with sandpaper you're not likely to damage it. Just take your time to become comfortable with it.

Hey, what about in the morning? Noon time? Why the end of the day?

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Hey, what about in the morning? Noon time? Why the end of the day?

Because the end of the day is when you've had either a succesful day, or something dire has occured, such as zombies invading your home, eating all your tropical fish as salty snacks (albeit with tiny brains) and then dropping your camera in the tank.

 

[OlyMan]

Because the end of the day is when you've had either a succesful day, or something dire has occured, such as zombies invading your home, eating all your tropical fish as salty snacks (albeit with tiny brains) and then dropping your camera in the tank.

So annoys me every time that happens. I'm like 'Oh man! Not again!"

 

[Sirius Glass]

Thomas,
At the end of the day, it's not a rare or expensive camera. As long as you don't force anything, drop it, get it wet, or clean the lens with sandpaper you're not likely to damage it. Just take your time to become comfortable with it.

Hey, what about in the morning? Noon time? Why the end of the day?

Because the end of the day is when you've had either a succesful day, or something dire has occured, such as zombies invading your home, eating all your tropical fish as salty snacks (albeit with tiny brains) and then dropping your camera in the tank.

So annoys me every time that happens. I'm like 'Oh man! Not again!"

I H*A*T*E that expression!!!!

 

[AgX]

2nd photo:

rapid resolution fall-off due to distance from optical axis, a lens issue.

 

[AgX]

I did not see other photos... Basically a shallow depth of focus could be of effect too, but at least it seems the film was parallel to the front of the car. But due to perspective ("tele-perspective") a lateral scale difference due to obliqueness may be reduced.
Maybe I was fooled, but I find it a difficult case.