6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Photo Film Roll

Suppose you’re starting to shoot with a photo film roll or trying to improve your results, knowing what not to do matters as much as knowing what works. Film photography rewards patience and attention. When you avoid these common mistakes, you save time, money, and shots. Here are six simple mistakes to skip the next time you load a photo film roll.

1. Loading the Film Incorrectly

One of the first things that can go wrong is loading the film. If you don’t insert it properly, the film won’t advance, and you’ll end up with blank frames. Some cameras have an auto-load feature, but many require manual threading. After loading, wind the film and check if the rewind knob spins; this indicates that the film is moving through the camera. Always double-check this before taking your first shot.

2. Opening the Back Mid-Roll

Opening the camera while there’s film inside will expose it to light and ruin your shots. Many beginners make this mistake while trying to check how much film is left. Don’t open the back unless you’ve rewound the film fully. If your camera doesn’t have a frame counter or window to check the roll, finish the roll before opening it.

3. Choosing the Wrong ISO

Every film roll has an ISO rating, and this matters. If you set your camera to a different ISO than the film’s rating, your exposure will be off. For example, using ISO 400 film but setting your camera to ISO 100 will overexpose your shots. Stick to the box speed of the film unless you know how to meter and shoot for push or pull processing. If your camera reads DX coding, double-check that it’s accurate.

4. Touching the Film Surface

You might be tempted to touch the film when loading or removing it. Don’t. Your fingers can leave oil, smudges, or scratches. These marks show up clearly when your film gets scanned or developed. Always handle the edges and avoid touching the flat side. If you accidentally unspool the film, rewind it gently and keep it away from light.

5. Storing Film in Hot or Humid Places

Film is sensitive to heat and moisture. Leaving it in a hot car or near a window can affect image quality. You’ll see color shifts, loss of contrast, or even damaged negatives. Keep your film in a cool, dry place. If you're not shooting right away, store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it to avoid condensation.

6. Ignoring Expiry Dates Without Testing

Expired film can produce great results, but only when you know what to expect. If you use expired film without testing, you might get poor contrast, heavy grain, or no image at all. Before using an old roll, research how it’s aged. Shoot a test roll in different light conditions and decide if you want to use it again. For important shots, stick with fresh film.

Final Thought

Film photography isn’t hard, but it does require care. If you avoid these six mistakes, you’ll see better results and enjoy the process more. Whether you’re trying film for the first time or getting back into it, keep your setup simple, stay focused, and trust your eye. Every frame counts, so make each one worth it.