How to Load Film into the Canon T50
This guide will show you how to load film into your Canon T50. This will also show you how to make sure your camera is functioning properly so you don’t waste a roll of film.
If this is your first time using your Canon T50, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
Before You Load Film
Check the Batteries
The Canon T50 requires two AA batteries to operate as it has an electronically controlled shutter and built-in motor drive. Without batteries, you will not be able to take photographs with the camera.
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 by opening the film door before the film is rewound. If you purchased the camera second-hand from a thrift store, flea market, garage sale, etc, it is safe to assume the film has been exposed.
To check for film, go through the process of rewinding and removing a roll of film. You can follow this guide on how to rewind and remove film from the Canon T50.
Make Sure the Canon T50 Functions Correctly
If your Canon T50 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 functioning correctly before loading film.
With fresh batteries and no film, press the shutter button and listen for the shutter to fire and the film advance motor to turn.
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 T50 Film, but for the most commonly available films, my recommendations are:
Black & White
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Color
Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Canon T50. 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 T50, pull up on the film rewind knob. This will cause the film door to pop open.
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Load the 35mm film canister.
Leave the film rewind knob in the raised position. Tilt the film canister towards the bottom of the camera to make loading easier.
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.
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Push the film rewind knob down.
The film rewind knob will hold the film canister in place. If you have any problems pushing it down, give the knob a quarter turn. The prongs on the knob need to align correctly with the film canister.
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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 tip of the film leader needs to be pulled to the red mark.
Make sure the perforations in the film leader are aligned with the sprockets on the bottom of the take-up spool.
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Close the film door.
Carefully close the film door.
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Press the shutter release button until the frame counter gets to 1.
Press the shutter release button several times. If the film was loaded correctly, you should see the film rewind knob turn after each press. Doing this will advance the film past what was exposed during the loading process.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! You’re now ready to shoot.
Once you’ve shot the roll of film, the camera will beep to let you know you need to rewind the film. Check out this page on how to unload film from the Canon T50.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.