Pentax 645n and First 3 Frames Blank

laurieflickinger · 06-01-2019, 01:39 PM

Hi! I’m new to Pentax and have been sending out test rolls. The first 3 frames are blank. I have a 120 film back in. Fresh batteries. I’ve ran across other people with the same problem in FB forums but no solutions yet. Any ideas here? I would love ideas! Thanks so much!

stevebrot · 06-01-2019, 05:25 PM

Welcome to the Pentax Forums!

Do you have a copy of the 645n manual? If not, a pdf copy can be downloaded for free from...

Pentax Manuals | Medium Format (password, type "Pentax")

What you are describing sounds like the film as improperly loaded. It is important that the film is threaded properly and advanced to where the full-width arrow lines up with the index "S" and "red line" on the film holder. If the paper is advanced too far, the first several frames will not be exposed. There are detailed instructions with illustrations in the manual.

Steve

laurieflickinger · 06-02-2019, 01:09 AM

I have checked out the manual and have followed YouTube videos for how to load the film. The arrows are lined up and yet the film is advanced too far. I don’t understand. I actually didn’t load my first roll properly (didn’t advance to the arrows when loading and only had 1 blank frame) so it seems like the camera is advancing the film too far. Idk. So frustrating bc it’s wasted $$$ and 3 frames that I shoot that aren’t captured. Thanks for responding.

**OldChE** · 11-21-2019, 06:48 PM

Originally posted by laurieflickinger

I have checked out the manual and have followed YouTube videos for how to load the film. The arrows are lined up and yet the film is advanced too far. I don’t understand. I actually didn’t load my first roll properly (didn’t advance to the arrows when loading and only had 1 blank frame) so it seems like the camera is advancing the film too far. Idk. So frustrating bc it’s wasted $$$ and 3 frames that I shoot that aren’t captured. Thanks for responding.

Did you ever fix the problem?

06-01-2019, 01:39 PM	#1
laurieflickinger New Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 2	Pentax 645n and First 3 Frames Blank Hi! I’m new to Pentax and have been sending out test rolls. The first 3 frames are blank. I have a 120 film back in. Fresh batteries. I’ve ran across other people with the same problem in FB forums but no solutions yet. Any ideas here? I would love ideas! Thanks so much!

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06-01-2019, 05:25 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Welcome to the Pentax Forums! Do you have a copy of the 645n manual? If not, a pdf copy can be downloaded for free from... Pentax Manuals \| Medium Format (password, type "Pentax") What you are describing sounds like the film as improperly loaded. It is important that the film is threaded properly and advanced to where the full-width arrow lines up with the index "S" and "red line" on the film holder. If the paper is advanced too far, the first several frames will not be exposed. There are detailed instructions with illustrations in the manual. Steve

06-02-2019, 01:09 AM	#3
laurieflickinger New Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 2 Original Poster	I have checked out the manual and have followed YouTube videos for how to load the film. The arrows are lined up and yet the film is advanced too far. I don’t understand. I actually didn’t load my first roll properly (didn’t advance to the arrows when loading and only had 1 blank frame) so it seems like the camera is advancing the film too far. Idk. So frustrating bc it’s wasted $$$ and 3 frames that I shoot that aren’t captured. Thanks for responding.

11-21-2019, 06:48 PM	#4
OldChE Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chicago area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 484	Originally posted by laurieflickinger I have checked out the manual and have followed YouTube videos for how to load the film. The arrows are lined up and yet the film is advanced too far. I don’t understand. I actually didn’t load my first roll properly (didn’t advance to the arrows when loading and only had 1 blank frame) so it seems like the camera is advancing the film too far. Idk. So frustrating bc it’s wasted $$$ and 3 frames that I shoot that aren’t captured. Thanks for responding. Did you ever fix the problem?