Something Weird Going On - Provia 100, 36 Exposure Film

I was out taking photos today with my motorized Nikon FA loaded with a roll of Provia 100, 36 exposure film. When I got to exp 36, I thought... maybe 1 or two more photos to go. However when I had shot exp 37, the film still advanced fully. I thought, this is my lucky day... 38 photos on this roll. However, I managed to shoot off another 4 or 5 pictures before the film stopped advancing.

 

I've never seen anything like this before. Has anyone else had an experience like this?

In my case when this happened it was because the film was NOT advancing at all -

it had been loaded wrong, come off the take-up spool, the film had broken, or come off the feeder roll.

 

Before trying to rewind, open the camera up in a changing bag or darkroom and feel if the film is being taken up on the spool.

 

Of course, depending on the camera, it is also possible that the counter was somehow reset or not set properly.,

In my case when this happened it was because the film was NOT advancing at all -

it had been loaded wrong, come off the take-up spool, the film had broken, or come off the feeder roll.

 

Before trying to rewind, open the camera up in a changing bag or darkroom and feel if the film is being taken up on the spool.

 

Of course, depending on the camera, it is also possible that the counter was somehow reset or not set properly.,

 

The film was definitely advancing. The only thing I can think of, as you mentioned, is that the counter only reset to exposure 6 or so when I loaded the film.

 

I tell ya, these Nikon FA cameras are an adventure LOL.

Have you actually developed and counted the frames on the film? Until then it's all speculation.

 

My Contax II "took" 42 frames a year ago. Turns out it broke after 32nd frame so I got one "multiexposure" picture which consisted of ten exposures.

I have had older cameras, where there isn't so much friction on the take-up spool. (It has to have some give, to allow for different amounts of film on the spool.)

 

In one case I remember, a Mercury II (fun camera, by the way) I was watching for it, and the rewind knob stopped moving.

 

In some cameras, the film might not advance a full frame, there will be overlap, and you will get more than 38.

 

It is usual to get 38 on a 36 roll, though often that is 0 to 37 on the counter.

 

There are stories of the Nikon F motor drive breaking the spool (if the tape is strong enough) and pulling spool pieces through the back of the camera. I suspect that the FA doesn't do that, though.

[quote="glen_h, post: 5666799, member: 4549066"

There are stories of the Nikon F motor drive breaking the spool (if the tape is strong enough) and pulling spool pieces through the back of the camera. I suspect that the FA doesn't do that, though.

 

Right, the MD15 stops when the final frame is shot.

Vincent,

 

Have you shot this FA before?

 

Is it possible that it's not advancing every frame fully? I've run into that before, although it seems unlikely. Mechanically it's the bullet proof FM2/FE2, just with electronics that sometimes leave you scratching your head.

Hi Ben,

 

No, this is the first roll of film I've put through it. The motor drive sure sounded like it was fully advancing the film, but I'll find out by next week when I get the film back.

Still waiting for the update. Very curious.

Still waiting for the update. Very curious.

 

I have the film all packed up and ready to mail to the lab. It took a while to get enough film to make it worthwhile. Sorry for the delay.

I thought the thread was forgotten as it happens sometimes :oops:

Quick update...

 

I just received notice that the roll of film has been shipped to me. Should arrive later this week. Probably the results will be anticlimactic.:rolleyes:

The mystery Provia roll was returned today. Originally, I was wondering why I managed to get about 41/42 exposures on the roll.

 

The mystery is now officially solved - There were 5 frames overlapping/double exposed. So, the film transport system in the camera has a problem which I'll have to get fixed (unlikely) or keep the camera for parts... eyepiece, camera back, finger grip, etc.

 

Nothing to see here... move along, keep moving.... LOL

Is it just the ones at the end, or spaced throughout the roll.

 

If at the end, then just watch the counter, and rewind knob, and stop early enough.

Is it just the ones at the end, or spaced throughout the roll....

 

They were all in the very middle of the roll, one after the other. Then the rest of the roll was fine. Now I'm not sure if the motor drive messed up, or if the problem is in the camera's film transport. I've got the camera loaded up with a roll of Kentmere 100 film to see if I can duplicate the problem.

And I thought Fuji somehow turned into an incarnation of generosity itself and began to produce films with 42 frames on it.

Sorry to hear the camera was faulty.

 

The only time that ever happened to me, the film disconnected from the spool. After rewinding, I opened the door and found all my film still on the take up side... everything was lost.

 

BTW another situation was bulk loaded film, Those bulk loader counters arent really accurate.

Sorry to hear the camera was faulty.

 

The only time that ever happened to me, the film disconnected from the spool. After rewinding, I opened the door and found all my film still on the take up side... everything was lost.

 

BTW another situation was bulk loaded film, Those bulk loader counters arent really accurate.

 

You must have missed reading posts #13 up to your post. The mystery was solved. The film transport in the camera or in the motor drive began slipping mid roll and double exposed 5 frames.

 

It was a standard Provia 100 cartridge, no bulk loaded cassette.

Yes I saw you said the camera was faulty, film slipping.

Have you sorted out why the film slipped?

Sometimes its the leader on the take up that slips or tension springs may be weak.

I don't know why the film slipped mid-roll. I'm going to shoot half a test roll of film without the motor drive attached, then the last half w/the motor drive.and see if the problem repeats.

Moderator note: Several posts have been deleted which were little more than two posters exchanging ad hominem attacks.

Is there any chance you depressed the rewind button?

Is there any chance you depressed the rewind button?

 

I don't think so.