Pentax 738 help!

Hrfish18 · 01-15-2021, 04:44 AM

Hi guys,
I’m completely new to film photography. I’ve started off with a Pentax Espio 738 with Kodak portra 400 film.
I’ve tried loading the film following videos exactly, however when I do the screen on the top of the camera displays ‘E’ (I’m assuming for empty).
I’ve tried so many times to load, rewind and load again it’s getting frustrating

has anyone got any clue what is going on?
Thanks,
H

**TwoUptons** · 01-15-2021, 05:01 AM

Hi, and Welcome.

In my experience, there are really only two reasons a roll won't load properly into a camera like an Espio.

1) The end of the film leader is too far to the right (or not far enough) when the back door is closed. If it's too far to the right, the film will curl up over the sprockets when the camera tries to load, and it won't wind. If it's not far enough, the take-up spool can't grab it to get it started. There should be some sort of graphical indicator that shows you where the end of the film should go. You may need to push a little bit of the film back into the canister.

2) It's broken... it happens. There are ways to tell if it's making the wrong sound when it tries to load (which I doubt you'll be able to determine since this is your first film camera). You may need to take it to a local shop and see if they can tell.

-Eric

stevejo · 01-15-2021, 05:14 AM

I don't have one but they should be simple enough. The manual gives a couple of key points. The film should be pulled level with the film leader mark (on the take up spool presumably), the leader should be flat, not bent, trim it off if it is kinked. The film should lie flat across the film guides. Should be on the sprockets. Also says the film won't load if the film detector is dirty. This is just to the left of the top of the film cartridge. If you don't have a manual, there is one here .

Good luck.

Oh! and check the battery.

**Kerrowdown** · 01-15-2021, 05:31 AM

Welcome to the forum, hope you get sorted out quickly.

**Nakedgun** · 01-15-2021, 08:24 AM

Welcome!

**Michail_P** · 01-15-2021, 09:03 AM

Welcome to the forum. I hope you come to enjoy your film camera and share some photos. Greetings from Greece.

01-15-2021, 04:44 AM	#1
Hrfish18 New Member Join Date: Jan 2021 Posts: 1	Pentax 738 help! Hi guys, I’m completely new to film photography. I’ve started off with a Pentax Espio 738 with Kodak portra 400 film. I’ve tried loading the film following videos exactly, however when I do the screen on the top of the camera displays ‘E’ (I’m assuming for empty). I’ve tried so many times to load, rewind and load again it’s getting frustrating has anyone got any clue what is going on? Thanks, H

01-15-2021, 05:14 AM	#3
stevejo Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 527	I don't have one but they should be simple enough. The manual gives a couple of key points. The film should be pulled level with the film leader mark (on the take up spool presumably), the leader should be flat, not bent, trim it off if it is kinked. The film should lie flat across the film guides. Should be on the sprockets. Also says the film won't load if the film detector is dirty. This is just to the left of the top of the film cartridge. If you don't have a manual, there is one here . Good luck. Oh! and check the battery. Last edited by stevejo; 01-15-2021 at 05:37 AM.

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01-15-2021, 05:01 AM	#2
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,225	Hi, and Welcome. In my experience, there are really only two reasons a roll won't load properly into a camera like an Espio. 1) The end of the film leader is too far to the right (or not far enough) when the back door is closed. If it's too far to the right, the film will curl up over the sprockets when the camera tries to load, and it won't wind. If it's not far enough, the take-up spool can't grab it to get it started. There should be some sort of graphical indicator that shows you where the end of the film should go. You may need to push a little bit of the film back into the canister. 2) It's broken... it happens. There are ways to tell if it's making the wrong sound when it tries to load (which I doubt you'll be able to determine since this is your first film camera). You may need to take it to a local shop and see if they can tell. -Eric

01-15-2021, 05:31 AM	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,863	Welcome to the forum, hope you get sorted out quickly.

01-15-2021, 08:24 AM	#5
Nakedgun Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,365	Welcome!

01-15-2021, 09:03 AM	#6
Michail_P Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Kalymnos Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,006	Welcome to the forum. I hope you come to enjoy your film camera and share some photos. Greetings from Greece.