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What went wrong?

My film won't wind on, or the last frames are torn or missing

Camera

What you're seeing

The advance lever jams before the roll should be finished, or after developing the end of the film is torn, sprocket holes are ripped, or the last frames are scratched or missing.

Check this first

Check this first

Count the frames you shot against the length of the roll, and check whether the lever stopped near the end.

Likely causes, most common first

  1. 01

    End of the roll reached, then the lever was forced

    Common
    How to tell
    Torn sprocket holes or a torn film end in the last frames. The lever stopped near the expected frame count.
    Test it
    Look at the end of the developed roll: ripped perforations or a torn end at the final frames point to forcing at the roll's end.
    The fix
    When the lever will not complete its stroke, stop and rewind. Never force it.

    Sources Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FM2 (FM2N) instruction manual (specifications); Asahi/Pentax (scan: butkus.org), Pentax 67 operating manual (specifications); Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FE instruction manual (features/specifications)

  2. 02

    Rewinding without pressing the rewind release

    Occasional
    How to tell
    Sprocket holes torn along a long stretch, and the rewind crank felt very stiff.
    Test it
    Check the camera manual for the rewind release and where it is (often on the base plate).
    The fix
    Press the rewind button first, then rewind with smooth, even pressure until the tension eases.

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

  3. 03

    Film not caught on the take-up spool

    Occasional
    How to tell
    The roll has no pictures but the edge markings are visible. The frame counter moved but the film did not.
    Test it
    Ilford's test: edge printing visible but no images means the film was not advanced. On the next roll, watch the rewind knob turn as you wind.
    The fix
    Reload carefully, check the sprocket teeth engage both edges, and make two blank frames with the back closed while watching the rewind knob.

    Sources Ilford Photo (Harman Technology), Common Processing Problems; Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FM2 (FM2N) instruction manual (specifications); Nikon (scan: butkus.org), Nikon FE instruction manual (features/specifications)

Avoiding it next time

  • Stop winding when the lever feels tight.
  • Always press the rewind release before rewinding.

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