BIG operator error and my FM2

[Pfreddee]

I usually buy 36 exposure rolls of whatever expired film is available at my local camera store (Pro Camera in Charlottesville, Virginia), pop it in my camera, and go shoot. The last roll of film I shot in my Nikon FM2n was a 24 exposure roll, but I didn't know that; I assumed it had three dozen exposures on it, like usual. Come to shot 24, the camera stops, and I stand there in utter confusion, thinking it was broken, or something. I rewound the film, put the camera back on the shelf, planned to take it in for repairs later, and went and sulked with my digital gear.

Come to find out that I had bought 24 exposure film, instead of my usual 36 shot roll. In fact, all of the film in my stash was 24 shots. Except one. I have the camera loaded with 36 exposure Fuji Acros, so I suppose I have to wait and see if the camera is broken (I think not). But I rate this blunder right up there with leaving the lens cap on one of my rangefinders.

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[GarageBoy]

surprised you didnt check after

 

[Huss]

y would it be broken? the only thing that could break is ripping the film off the spool. But that didn't happen as you were able to rewind it.

 

[FrankS]

I think it's okay. 🙂

You have all the pics you took. It'd be worse if the film weren't loaded properly and you end up with no pics.

Happens to all of us!

 

[farlymac]

Better than knowing you have a 24 shot roll in there, then looking down and seeing the number 34 on the frame counter. :bang:

PF

 

[Oscuro]

You're fine.

I don't know how many short rolls I've torn off the spool.* FM, FE, F2 and 3, M-bodies. Happens a lot when you load from bulk.

Never broke anything except for the tape in the cassette or the film at the tape. By the time you've got 24 exposures worth of film around the take up, it's a pretty robust capstan.

If you're really concerned, load a garbage roll and fire away.

* I used to work in a pool with a guy who always kept a changing bag in the bottom of his kit. More than once I had to borrow it for the two minutes....