Why Did My Film Get Wrinkled? A Beginner’s Guide to Loading Film Right
Has the winding wheel ever stopped turning midway, and when you opened the back cover, you found the film all wrinkled?
Don’t worry — this is a common issue for those new to film cameras. The good news is, once you understand the cause, it’s easy to prevent.
Recently, a customer reached out to us with this concern:
“I was winding the film, but it wouldn’t advance properly. When I opened the back cover, the film was all crumpled.”
This kind of issue often occurs when the film is pushed too far into the slot and doesn't properly engage with the sprocket — the toothed wheel that pulls the film forward.
In this post, we’ll show you how to load film correctly and what to avoid, using clear step-by-step photos to guide you. With just a little practice, you’ll be able to enjoy your first roll with confidence!
📖 How to Load Film (the Right Way)
Step ① – Insert the Film Slightly
Start by gently inserting the tip of the film into the take-up spool slot. You only need to insert it slightly — just enough for it to catch.
Don’t push it in too far! That’s where many beginners go wrong.
Step ② – Engage the Sprocket
Once the film is in the slot, lightly press it with your finger so that the small square holes (called perforations) align with and catch onto the sprocket — that’s the toothed wheel that helps advance the film.
Step ③ – Check the Position
Make sure the end of the film is sitting correctly in the take-up spool slot. It should look just like the photo below — not too deep, not too loose.
Step ④ – Wind and Test
Turn the winding wheel gently while pressing the shutter button. Do this 2 or 3 times to make sure the film is advancing correctly.
Watch the rewind knob — if it turns as you wind, that’s a good sign the film is loading properly.
Once confirmed, go ahead and close the back cover.
🚫 What Can Go Wrong? (NG Example)
If you push the film too far into the slot, it might slide out from another slot — like in the photo below.
This causes the film to slip and wrinkle when you try to advance it.
💡 Tips for Beginners
・Don’t force the film in too deep.
・Always check that the perforations are securely engaged with the sprocket.
・Test winding before closing the back cover.
・If you’re unsure, practice once with a used roll — just for learning.
Enjoy shooting with your film camera!