Help me with FM2 scratching my film please

[spaceistheplace]

Hello,

I'm seeking some help.
The thing is that lately I've been getting scratches pretty much all along my film. First I thought it could be developing so I processed a roll at home and a roll at my trusty lab, both have the same kind of scratches on almost every frame.

So I guess it's the camera, this has only happened recently, I've put around a hundred rolls throught it before without any problem, I' ve checked the pressure plate but it seems very clean.
What can I do?

BTW scratches are on the base, not the emulsion.

Thanks!

 

[farlymac]

Do you roll your own film? Do you reuse empty film cartridges? Double check that pressure plate, with a magnifying glass if you have to.

PF

 

[rbsinto]

Hello,

I'm seeking some help.
The thing is that lately I've been getting scratches pretty much all along my film. First I thought it could be developing so I processed a roll at home and a roll at my trusty lab, both have the same kind of scratches on almost every frame.

So I guess it's the camera, this has only happened recently, I've put around a hundred rolls throught it before without any problem, I' ve checked the pressure plate but it seems very clean.
What can I do?

BTW scratches are on the base, not the emulsion.

Thanks!

Also check the edges of the rectangular opening around the shutter (lock the shutter open first: locking cable release and shutter speed dial in "B" mode).
Often there is an accumulation of dreck on this area which can scratch the film. I know, because it has happened to me.
Robert

 

[Dwig]

Also check the edges of the rectangular opening around the shutter ...

This would not be the cause of the OP's scatches as his are on the base side, as stated in his post, and not on the emulsion side which is what faces the film gate.

Base side scratches are most commonly caused by:

1. Flaws on the pressure plate
2. A jammed or frozen guide roller in the back beside the pressure plate, if one is present
3. A weak clutch on the takeup spool
4. Improper loading or a damages guide on the back that allows the cassette to roll slightly during rewind and thus dragging the base of the film against the back near the cassette's felt lip.

#3 would usually cause emulsion side scratches on any camera like the OP's FM2 that wind the film emulsion side out on the takeup spool, but can lead to base side scratches as well as emulsion side scratches if the loosly wound fillm chinches during rewind.