How to Load Film into the Canon EOS Rebel (EOS 1000)
This guide will show you how to load film into your Canon EOS Rebel (EOS 1000) and how to make sure the camera is functioning properly. If this is your first time using your Canon EOS Rebel, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
Before You Load Film
Check the Battery
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The Canon EOS Rebel requires a battery to function as it has an electronic shutter and built-in motor-drive.
The Canon EOS Rebel uses a 2CR5 battery , which can easily be found in stores and online.
Make Sure the Canon EOS Rebel Functions Correctly
If your Canon EOS Rebel has not been used in a long time or if it is your first time using the camera, check to make sure the camera is working correctly before loading film.
With a fresh battery and no film, turn the camera on to the green square and press the shutter button. Listen for the shutter to fire.
Make Sure There is No Film Loaded in the Camera
If there is any film left in the camera, it will be ruined if it is exposed to light. The Canon EOS Rebel has a film window on the back of the camera to see if there is any film in the camera.
To remove a film canister from the EOS Rebel, follow these steps on how to rewind and remove the film from the Canon EOS Rebel.
Do Not Load Film in Sunlight
You can ruin your film by loading it in direct sunlight or bright light.
Bright light increases the risk of light piping. When this happens light is able to penetrate through the light seal on the 35mm film canister.
The film is not guaranteed to be completely ruined. You could end up with varying degrees of fogging.
Fogging can produce a range of undesirable outcomes such as a loss of contrast, blown out streaks, or a completely exposed frame. If this problem occurs it should subside with progressive frames.
For Best Results, Use Fresh Film
Film degrades in quality over time. It should also not be exposed to hot temperatures like those in a car on a sunny day or attic during summer.
Expired film can be used, but you are not guaranteed predictable performance.
For the best results, use a fresh pack of film that is not expired. For a complete list of all types of film, check out the Best Canon EOS Rebel Film, but for the most commonly available films, my recommendations are:
Black & White
Color
Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Canon EOS Rebel. For demonstration purposes, I am using a “bad” roll of film that has been exposed.
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Open the film door.
To open the film door on the Canon EOS Rebel, slide the button down on the side of the camera. This will cause the film door to pop open.
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Load the 35mm film canister.
Load the film canister into the camera. Take note of the orientation of the film leader which should be towards the bottom of the camera. The film leader is the half-width cutout at the start of the film roll.
You want to insert the film cartridge towards the bottom of the camera first, and then tilt the top in.
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Pull the film leader over to the film take-up spool.
Gently pull the film leader over to the take-up spool. The film leader needs to be pulled over to the red mark. Make sure the perforations in the film leader are held in place by the sprockets on the bottom of the take-up spool.
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Close the film door.
Carefully close the film door. You will be able to see the film canister through the window in the film door.
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Turn the camera on.
Use the mode dial to turn the camera on if it is not already on. This just means turning the mode dial from the red ‘L’ (lock) to any shooting mode. The easiest would be the green box (auto).
You will hear the entire roll of film being wound onto the take-up spool in the camera. Every shot will then wind the film back into the canister. The frame counter will show how many shots you have left on that roll of film.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! Your camera is now correctly loaded with film and ready to shoot.
Once you’ve shot the roll of film, the camera will automatically rewind the film. If you want to remove the film before the roll is done, check out this guide on how to unload film from the Canon EOS Rebel.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.