Film photography is an incredible medium, but sometimes your results don’t look the way you expected. Maybe your negatives came back with strange color shifts, streaks of light, or even entire blank frames.
Understanding why these issues happen is the first step to improving your photography and preventing future problems. Whether it’s a problem with exposure, film handling, or camera mechanics, this guide breaks down the most common film photography issues, why they happen, and how to fix them!
Light Leaks: Why Are There Streaks or Flares on My Film?
What Are Common Issues With Light Leaks?
Light leaks occur when unwanted light enters the camera or film canister, exposing the film where it shouldn’t be. This can create bright streaks, fogging, or uneven exposure across frames.
Light leaks can be caused by:
- Deteriorated light seals – Many older film cameras use foam or felt light seals around the back door to prevent light from entering. Over time, these seals degrade, leading to small gaps that let light seep in.
- Loose or improperly closed camera backs – If the camera door isn’t latched properly, even a small gap can cause a light leak.
- Film canister damage – If a roll of film is cracked or not sealed properly, light can enter before development, fogging your negatives.
- Accidental exposure during loading/unloading – If you load or unload film in bright sunlight, you may introduce light leaks, especially near the edges of the first and last frames.
How Do I Fix Light Leaks?
- Inspect and replace light seals – If your camera has old, crumbling foam around the back door, replace it with new foam or felt. Light seal replacement kits are available online.
- Make sure your camera back is fully closed – Always double-check that the door is latched securely before shooting.
- Load and unload film in dim light – To avoid accidental exposure, do this in a shaded area or indoors.
- Check for damaged film rolls – If a roll of film looks cracked or partially opened, it may already be fogged.
Underexposure: Why Is My Photo Too Dark?
What Are Common Issues With Underexposure?
Underexposure happens when your film doesn’t receive enough light, making your images appear too dark, grainy, or lacking in detail. This occurs when:
- Shutter speed is too fast – If your camera’s shutter opens and closes too quickly, it limits the amount of light reaching the film.
- Aperture is too small (high f-number) – A small aperture (e.g., f/16) lets in less light, which can result in underexposure if there isn’t enough ambient light.
- Film speed (ISO) is too low for the lighting conditions – ISO 100 film works great in bright daylight but struggles in low-light environments without additional adjustments.
- Metering errors – If your camera’s light meter reads the scene incorrectly, it may suggest settings that are too dark for the conditions.
How Do I Fix Underexposure?
- Use a light meter – A handheld or built-in meter will help determine the correct exposure settings.
- Open up your aperture – If your image is too dark, try using a wider aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light.
- Slow down your shutter speed – If possible, use a tripod or steady your hands when shooting at slower speeds.
- Choose the right ISO for your environment – In low light, use a higher ISO film like 400 or 800.
Overexposure: Why Is My Photo Too Bright?
What Are Common Issues With Overexposure?
Overexposure occurs when too much light reaches the film, causing blown-out highlights and low contrast.
Causes include:
- Shutter speed is too slow – A long exposure allows too much light in.
- Aperture is too wide (low f-number) – A wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8) lets in excessive light.
- Using high-ISO film in bright conditions – ISO 800 film can overexpose in daylight.
- Metering issues – The camera may miscalculate, especially in backlit scenes.
How Do I Fix Overexposure?
- Use a faster shutter speed to limit light.
- Stop down your aperture (higher f-number) to reduce exposure.
- Use a lower ISO film for bright conditions.
- Check metering mode – Use spot or center-weighted metering for better accuracy.
Scratches: Why Are There Streaks or Lines on My Photos?
What Are Common Issues With Scratched Film?
Film scratches happen when the delicate emulsion side of the film comes into contact with rough or dirty surfaces. These scratches can appear as fine lines running along your negative and are often caused by:
- Dirty camera rollers or take-up spools – In SLRs or point-and-shoot cameras, film passes over rollers that help advance it. If these are dirty, they can scratch the film.
- Mishandling during loading/unloading – If you accidentally drag film across rough surfaces, touch the emulsion side, or pull it out too aggressively, scratches can occur.
How Do I Fix Scratches?
- Always handle film by the edges – Avoid touching the emulsion side.
- Keep your camera clean – Periodically check and clean film rollers inside your camera.
- Use protective storage – Store negatives in archival sleeves to prevent future damage.
Loose Film Roll (Fat Roll): Why Are My Photos Blurry or Light-Leaked?
What Are Common Issues With Loose Film Rolls?
A “fat roll” happens when film is loosely wound after shooting, allowing light leaks and causing softness in images.
Causes of loose film rolls include:
- Improper winding of medium format (120) film – Medium format film must be wound tightly before securing it with tape. If not, light can enter and ruin your images.
- Camera take-up spool issues – Some cameras don’t rewind film properly, leaving slack in the roll.
- Loose storage before development – If the film sits loosely in a canister or is left exposed, light can leak in.
How Do I Fix This?
- Wind film tightly before removing it – Ensure it’s snug before taping the end.
- Store film properly – Keep it in a lightproof bag or container until developed.
Expired Film Issues: Why Do My Photos Look Faded?
What Are Common Issues With Expired Film?
Expired film can produce unexpected results due to changes in the film’s chemistry over time.
Common issues:
- Color shifts – Colors may appear faded, green, or magenta.
- Increased grain – Film loses sensitivity, leading to heavy grain.
- Low contrast or fogging – The base of the film can develop a hazy look.
How Do I Fix Expired Film Issues?
- Overexpose by 1 stop per decade expired to compensate for lost sensitivity.
- Develop film as soon as possible after shooting.
- Embrace the unique effects if using expired film intentionally.
Flash Sync Issues: Why Is My Photo Half Black?
What Are Common Issues With Flash Sync Problems?
Flash sync errors occur when the shutter speed is too fast for the camera’s flash synchronization, causing part of the frame to be blocked.
Causes include:
- Using a shutter speed faster than the camera’s sync speed – Most cameras have a flash sync speed of 1/60s or 1/125s. Shooting at 1/250s or faster may cause the shutter curtain to block part of the exposure.
- Using a non-dedicated flash – Some flashes don’t communicate properly with cameras, causing mistimed exposure.
- Mechanical issues with the shutter – In some cameras, a sluggish shutter curtain can cause partial exposure problems.
How Do I Fix This?
- Set your camera to its flash sync speed or slower – Check your camera’s manual to find the correct setting.
- Use a compatible flash unit – If using off-camera flash, ensure it syncs correctly.
- Consider High-Speed Sync (HSS) flashes – Some modern flashes allow faster shutter speeds while syncing properly.
Blank Frames: Why Is There Nothing on My Film?
What are common issues with blank frames?
Blank frames occur when your negatives come back completely clear (with just the frame edges visible) or entirely black. This can be frustrating, as it usually means the image was never properly exposed onto the film. Common reasons for blank frames include:
- Shutter Malfunction – If the shutter isn’t opening properly, no light reaches the film, resulting in blank frames.
- Lens Cap Left On – This is a simple but surprisingly common mistake, especially with rangefinder cameras where the viewfinder is separate from the lens.
- Unloaded Film – If the film wasn’t correctly loaded onto the take-up spool, it may not have advanced through the camera, meaning no exposures were made.
- Completely Underexposed or Overexposed Film – If the film was shot in extreme darkness without enough light or was exposed to bright light for an extended period (for example, if the camera settings were incorrect), the result can be clear or black frames.
- Back of the Camera Opened Mid-Roll – If the back of the camera is accidentally opened before rewinding the film, it will expose the film to light, potentially causing blank frames or heavy fogging across the roll.
How do I fix blank frame issues?
If you encounter blank frames, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Check the Film After Loading – Ensure your film is properly loaded by advancing it a few frames and confirming it’s catching on the take-up spool.
- Test Your Shutter – Fire the shutter with the back of the camera open (without film inside) to confirm it’s opening and closing correctly.
- Use a Light Meter or Adjust Settings – If your frames are blank due to extreme underexposure, use a light meter to confirm proper exposure settings.
- Keep the Camera Back Closed – Always double-check that the camera back is securely latched before and during shooting to avoid accidental exposure of the film.
- Develop Film at a Reputable Lab – Ensure your film is processed correctly by choosing a reliable lab like Brooktree Film Lab to handle your negatives with care.
Overlapping Frames/Double Exposure
What are common issues with overlapping frames or double exposures?
Overlapping frames occur when multiple exposures are unintentionally recorded onto the same section of film, causing images to blend together. Double exposures, while sometimes intentional, can happen accidentally due to camera malfunctions or user error.
Common causes include:
- Film Not Advancing Properly – If the camera’s film advance mechanism slips or the take-up spool isn’t gripping the film correctly, frames can overlap.
- Accidental Double Exposure Mode – Some cameras have a feature allowing double exposures. If activated unknowingly, you may expose the same frame twice.
- Manual Film Advance Error – With manual cameras, forgetting to wind the film after taking a shot can result in overlapping exposures.
- Shutter or Transport Malfunctions – Mechanical issues in older cameras can cause improper film advancement.
How do I fix overlapping frame issues?
- Always check that the film is advancing properly by watching the rewind knob or film counter.
- If your camera has a double exposure feature, ensure it’s turned off unless you intend to use it.
- With manual cameras, always wind the film after each shot.
- If you suspect a mechanical issue, have your camera serviced to ensure proper film transport.
Static Shock
What are common issues with static shock on film?
Static electricity can create bright, branch-like streaks on your negatives. This usually happens in cold, dry environments where friction generates a charge, which then discharges onto the film when it’s wound or rewound.
Common causes include:
- Cold, Dry Conditions – Low humidity increases static buildup, especially in winter or when handling film in cold climates.
- Fast Film Winding/Rewinding – Quickly advancing or rewinding film can create static discharge.
- Synthetic Clothing & Surfaces – Handling film while wearing synthetic fabrics or using plastic camera components can increase static risk.
How do I fix static shock issues?
- Try handling film in a more humid environment to reduce static buildup.
- Wind and rewind film slowly and steadily, especially in dry conditions.
- Avoid rubbing film or camera parts against synthetic materials like fleece or plastic surfaces.
Shutter Curtain/Shutter Capping Issues
What are common issues with shutter curtains?
If your camera’s shutter curtain is sticking, dragging, or not functioning properly, it can cause uneven exposures, partially blank frames, or streaks of light across images.
Common causes include:
- Aging or dried-out shutter mechanisms in older cameras
- Cold weather affecting mechanical shutters
- High shutter speeds malfunctioning on older cameras
How do I fix shutter curtain issues?
- If you notice inconsistent exposures, test different shutter speeds to see if the issue persists.
- Have your camera serviced by a professional to clean and lubricate the shutter mechanism (CLA).
- Store your camera in a climate-controlled environment to avoid temperature-related issues.
Film photography is rewarding but comes with its own set of challenges. Learning about common issues—like light leaks, exposure problems, and film handling mistakes—can help you avoid costly errors and improve your shooting technique!
At Brooktree Film Lab, we’re passionate about helping photographers get the best results from their film. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or just want expert processing, we’re here to help. Have a question about your negatives? Reach out to us anytime!
