Camera experts! A 35 mm automatic question

[Jillpie]

I am having a problem with my Canon 35 mm. Sure Shot camera. Its actually been happening for about a year, but I keep thinking its going to go away, lol. Every time I load the camera with new film, the place where it shows the number of shots, you know, that window...anyway, its supposed to show #1 when the camera has successfully loaded. Instead, it is blinking 0. So I open up the camera for about 3 times more and finally it works. Do you have any idea what is going on? It even happens with fresh batteries. Should I have it looked at (we have a camera shop in the next town over, but I'm afraid it will cost more than the camera!). Thanks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

When I used to use a film camera, after I loaded the film, I always took 2 'junk shots' to bring the camera to 1. Film rolls should have more film than the amount indicated, (24,27, 36). I doubt there is anything wrong with the camera. Try a roll without doing the open and close routine, see if it works. Just a thought.

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks Dan, but I don't even think I can take a first shot if its blinking zero. Its so puzzling.

 

[Sonya]

Maybe the film isn't catching on the 1st try? Make sure the film tab is all the way to the orange line or wherever it is supposed to be.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Anybody from the weekday crowd have any thoughts for Jill?

 

[Jillpie]

Thanks for bumping Dan, you're so sweet. Sonya, thats a good thought, but supposedly with this camera it shouldn't matter how far the film goes in, the camera should catch it. I do have a feeling it has something to do with the "catch" feature though.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Actually there should be a line that you pull the leader to, make sure all the sprockets have film on them. I used to sell the sure shot and the loading was one of the problems people had. Not a big one and once you "figure" it out, the problem will resolve itself. It is a great camera.

 

[Jillpie]

Gail, this is interesting. I have to look at it closer now. I don't recall seeing any sprockets, because for almost 4 years now I just pretty much put the film in there and it loaded itself? I will look closer. Its also interesting that other people have had the same problem. I sure do love this camera and am surprised I'm having a problem after all this time. Thanks.