Broken/Snapped Film

[russmini]

I have only just got into film photography, thanks to an old Zenit 11 i got when my Grandad passed away a few weeks ago.

Anyway, i bought a cheap film to see if it worked and lo and behold it did.

So, i got another film, but something happened right at the end of the film. I may have tried to advance more than was nescessary. Anyway, i couldn't rewind the film and after trying a few times, the inevitable happened last night and the film snapped.

Now obviously, it's wrapped around the 'spool' so i'd have to unravel it, but is there anyway i could salvage it?
Little annoying as i'd written down all the settings as i was taking the pics, so i could start to learn what was what.

I know the general high street shop will not be able to help, but was wondering if i could send it to somewhere/someone who could process it for me?

If not, then ah crap, learn by your mistakes i guess. Just be a shame to lose it.

Thanks in advance, Russ.

P.S. I'm in the UK, in Worcestershire to be exact ish. Cheers

 

[sevo]

Anyway, i couldn't rewind the film and after trying a few times, the inevitable happened last night and the film snapped.

Now obviously, it's wrapped around the 'spool' so i'd have to unravel it, but is there anyway i could salvage it?

Well, the film won't have snapped at full width - film is quite tough, you could swing from a piece of film without tearing it. Usually the trailer slips or tears from the cartridge core, so that the entire film now is on the take-up spool of the camera.

There is nothing much to do about that but to unload it inside a dark bag or darkroom, either to a light tight container for transport to a lab (which does handle loose film - quite a few can't or won't) or to a reel to develop it yourself.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Visit your friendly local film lab. Ask them politely for a spent 35mm can. The end of the film tag should hopefully be protruding from the slot. Get them to give you one that has an inch or so protruding.

Go into a dark room with all lights off, and a roll of scotch tape (or even better, a couple of pieces pre-cut to correct width of the film), and a pair of scissors. Open camera, remove exposed film from take up reel, cut end neatly and tape to the tag on the film canister you've procured. Turn the spindle until the film is wound safely inside the can. Naturally, you will need to do this by feel but it is not very difficult.

Unless the used film canister you have procured happens to be for the same type of film as you originally loaded, you will need to carefully note the details of the actual film you have wound into it, so the lab can correctly process your film. Hand deliver it yourself, and explain to them that your film was torn off the spool and has been reloaded into a substitute canister instead, and ensure they will process accordingly...

Regards,
Brett

 

[thegman]

I'd contact a good lab like "The Darkroom", they can likely help you out. You may even be able to send them the whole camera, and they can remove the film and process it.

 

[russmini]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Well, i took the bull by the horns and popped the back open. The film itself had 'snapped'. I think i've worked out what happened. Basically when i wound it on, again, the teeth of feeding the film slipped and damaged a section of the film. Hence when i tried to rewind it, the film kept getting hung up on the teeth and fouling up, hence not being able to rewind.
My constant messing, then obviously damaged the film and must have started a tear, then the rest was inevitable.
I cut the 2 bits as straight as i could and used some thin gaffer tape.
It's now wound back into the cartridge and i shall take it into a Jessops tomorrow.
I'll tell them whats happened and what i've done and hopefully, they'll be man enough to give it a go for me.

Thanks for the tips and inspiration to do it.

Russ.

p.s. I've learnt my lesson, thats for sure.

 

[konicaman]

I do not know what kind of film you used, but I have had several Fuji films snap i Russian cameras. Never seems to happen with other makes of film.

 

[russmini]

Wow !!! Yes, it was a Fuji film in a Russian camera.

Very interesting, but to be honest, i take all blame for this one. Not being used to film i just got a bit carried away and should have just stopped and re-wound the film.

Thanks for your comment though. Might think about moving away from the Fuji Film.