Skip to main content
Silverlog

What went wrong?

Part of each frame is black or blank

A dark band (on the print or scan) across part of the frame, or only part of the frame exposed.

Check this first

Did it happen only on flash shots, or on all frames?

Likely causes

  1. 1.

    Shutter speed faster than flash sync

    Common
    How to tell
    Only flash shots are affected, with a straight black band along one side.
    Fix
    Set the shutter to the camera's flash sync speed (often 1/60 or 1/125 on older cameras) or slower.
  2. 2.

    Sticky or uneven focal-plane shutter

    Occasional
    How to tell
    Happens at fast speeds without flash; exposure gets darker towards one side of the frame.
    Fix
    Fire the shutter at each speed with the back open and the lens off, against a light. A shutter that needs a service will show uneven slits. Get a clean, lubricate and adjust (CLA).
  3. 3.

    Mirror not rising fully, or a lens hood or filter in the way

    Rare
    How to tell
    A black area at the top or corners on every frame.
    Fix
    Check the mirror and remove stacked filters or the wrong lens hood.

Avoiding it next time

  • Learn your camera's sync speed.
  • Test an unfamiliar camera with a cheap roll first.

Go deeper

Other camera problems

Last checked October 2026. Seen something different? Tell us.

Support