Crash Course in Film | Loading | Whitney Beth Photography
Welcome to another episode of “Crash Course in Film” aka Film 101! Today we are talking about loading. (If you missed where you should be storing your film, you can find read it right here.) For the sake of simplicity and ease, I’m using my point and shoot Kodak 35 mm film camera and a roll of 35 mm film that I had in my fridge that is 100% expired. (I should’ve checked before loading it when it expired – but it’s too late now. lol)
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- 35mm film
- A point-and-shoot camera
- (It helps to do this in a dimly lit room to avoid exposing your film.)
Step 2: Open the Camera Back
- Locate the latch or button that opens the camera back.
- Press the button or move the latch to open the back of the camera.
Step 3: Insert the Film Canister
- Take the 35mm film canister and remove it from its packaging.
- Insert the canister into the film compartment of the camera, making sure it fits securely.
- there will be little notches sticking out from the gear that winds and holds the film in place – that is important for the next step
Step 4: Pull the Film Leader
- Pull out the film leader (the tip of the film) from the canister so that it reaches the gear.
- Make sure the film is flat and straight.
Step 5: Thread the Film
- Look for the film take-up spool inside the camera.
- Insert the film leader into the slot on the take-up spool.
Step 6: Advance the Film
- Close the camera back securely.
- Turn the camera on and advance the film using the film advance lever until it stops allowing you to turn it.
Step 7: Ready to Shoot
- Take one test shot and advance the film. (This moves the exposed negative out of the way.)
- Your 35mm film is now loaded and ready to use!
Sound pretty simple? It is! Just imagine 5 year old Whitney doing it (because I did) and tell yourself you can do it too! Stick around for when we talk about shooting with your 35 mm film camera!
