How To Tell if Your 35 mm Film Has Been Used
Decluttering your home can be a rewarding, nostalgic experience that allows you to discover special items and heirlooms. Photos are always a great find, and one such item you may come across during this decluttering phase is old film. However, you may also come across film that appears to be unused.
Your first instinct may guide you to dispose of the old film canisters. The chances of the film being usable after so many years tucked inside a dusty box seem improbable, don’t they? Not necessarily.
Unbeknownst to many people, you can use 35 mm film past its expiration date—it’s simply a matter of determining whether the film was exposed to light or not.
Fortunately, there are methods that show you how to tell if your 35 mm film has been used. Continue reading to learn more.
Brief Background on 35 mm Film
Before delving into ways that determine if 35 mm film is usable, it helps to learn a few basic things about the medium.
35 mm film is a standard photographic film for motion picture and single lens reflex (SLR) cameras. Most common in disposable cameras, this formatted medium sits in a canister and slowly unravels with each photo you take.
The number 35 refers to the film’s width in millimeters. This type of film reel has perforated edges and can produce 36 latent images or invisible stills, but this can vary depending on which 35 mm camera is used during filming.
How To Check if There Is Film in a 35 mm Camera
Now that you know some background on 35 mm film, you’re prepared to learn about how to identify used film. But first, be aware that the film you discover may be inside a camera, not just in loose canisters.
If you discover a 35 mm camera and want to see if there is film inside, here’s how. Check if there is film present using the rewind button and lever. Lift the lever and advance the rewind button—if you encounter some resistance when advancing, this indicates the presence of film.
If this occurs, open the camera and check for film. Avoid opening the 35 mm camera in a bright setting so you don’t expose and damage the film. Instead, open the camera in a dark area or designated dark room to safely remove the film.
How To Tell If Film Was Used
Whether you found the 35 mm film canister loose or in a camera, you now have one in your hand and are ready to identify if it has been used. When identifying if someone has used the 35 mm film you have found, you can depend on three methods that are hassle-free. These methods involve a thorough visual inspection, ensuring an easy process.
Search for a Film Leader
A film leader is a short, half-width, exposed portion of the reel that doesn’t contain film. This extra material is the film’s tail and sits outside of the canister to protect the rest of the reel from light exposure. This portion facilitates the film loading and extraction process. If you find a film leader, chances are the film is unused.
Inspect Film Leader for Markings
Simply checking for film leaders may not always indicate used film. If you confirm that there is a film leader, you should also inspect the material for markings.
During film loading, the film leader passes through the camera’s take-up spool. A take-up spool has sprockets that will grab the 35 mm film’s perforated edges, bending the film and leaving visible, dark markings and creases that can help identify the film as used. If you don’t notice creases or bends on the exposed film leader, there’s a chance the film was not used. However, if you do notice visible wear, the film probably was used.
How Long Does Film Last?
Many people consider film expired 10 years after its initial manufacturing. After that time has passed, it isn’t uncommon for someone to hesitate to use film for fear it will result in damaged photos. However, 35 mm film is a type of film that frequently stays usable after this time frame.
Nevertheless, there are many environmental factors that can shorten 35 mm film’s lifespan. Improper storage that lets in contaminants such as dust is one reason 35 mm film might not be usable after long periods in storage. Similarly, if you found the 35 mm film in a humid location like a basement, the picture quality of the film may be damaged. The humidity may also have caused the film to stick to the canister’s interior, increasing the risk of damage using or developing the film.
So if you know dust and humidity have been factors during the film’s storage, know that it is less likely the film will be usable, even if your inspection reveals it hasn’t been used before. However, you may still decide to give it a shot!
Finding old 35 mm film in a crate of family heirlooms is like discovering valuable treasure. However, if you want to use it, you need to know how to tell if your 35 mm film has been used before. If you find that the film is unused and has been stored properly, congratulations! You can now look into taking film photos and getting them developed.
If this is your case, know that DiJiFi offers a picture digitizing service that can transform your 35 mm film into a digital format for easier printing and storing. We can help your film photos come to life, allowing you to conveniently access and process this medium with modern technology. To get in contact with our team, please complete our photo services contact form, and we’ll promptly assist you with your project!
