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What went wrong?

Some of my frames have two pictures on top of each other

Camera

What you're seeing

Two images overlaid in one frame. Sometimes it is one or two frames, sometimes the whole roll, with frame edges that don't line up.

Check this first

Check this first

Check whether it is one or two frames or the whole roll, and whether the frame lines of the two images line up.

Likely causes, most common first

  1. 01

    Multiple-exposure control used or left set

    Common
    How to tell
    Single frames with two images whose frame edges line up closely. The frame counter didn't move.
    Test it
    Check the multiple-exposure lever or menu setting. Wind on with it off and watch the frame counter advance.
    The fix
    Return the control after each planned multiple exposure.

    Sources Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FM2 (FM2N) instruction manual (specifications); Asahi/Pentax (scan: butkus.org), Pentax K1000 operating manual (specifications)

  2. 02

    Exposed roll loaded and shot again

    Occasional
    How to tell
    Every frame on the roll has two images, and the two sets of frame lines are offset from each other.
    Test it
    Look at the frame lines on a light box: two overlapping sets of frame edges along the whole roll mean the film went through a camera twice.
    The fix
    Rewind 35mm fully so the leader goes back into the cassette, or tear the leader off. Some cameras can be set to leave the leader out: mark those rolls as exposed.

    Sources Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FM2 (FM2N) instruction manual (specifications); Minolta (scan: butkus.org), Minolta Maxxum 7 instruction manual

  3. 03

    Film not advancing (rewind button pressed or leader slipping)

    Occasional
    How to tell
    Several images stacked on one or a few frames, often followed by blank film or overlaps.
    Test it
    Wind on and watch the rewind knob. If it does not turn, the film is not moving.
    The fix
    Reload, check the leader is caught on the take-up spool, and keep away from the rewind button until the end of the roll.

    Sources Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FE instruction manual (features/specifications); Ilford Photo (Harman Technology), Common Processing Problems

Avoiding it next time

  • Check the rewind knob turns as you wind on.
  • Rewind leaders fully, or mark exposed rolls.

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