Pro tip: Always check your film back latch before leaving the house

Last Saturday I drove an hour out to the old railroad bridge near Milford to shoot some landscapes. Got setup, took about 8 shots of this cool rusted trestle with morning light hitting it. Felt great. Then I went to advance the film and the rewind knob was spinning loose. Turns out the back door latch on my Minolta had popped open somehow during the drive. The whole roll was exposed to light, ruined. I was so mad at myself. Now I always give the latch a tug before I even grab my bag from the car. Has anyone else had a roll get wiped out by something dumb like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

ryan_coleman2111d ago

Did you read that article from a few months back about the guy who lost a whole wedding shoot because his latch was loose? Honestly, that one made me triple check mine ever since.

john64811d ago

Wait, you mean he didn't check it at all before the ceremony even started? Like not even a quick glance? I remember that story now and it still makes me mad just thinking about it. The guy said he always used a strap but never thought about the little screw on the bottom getting loose over time. I swear I spent the next three days watching every video I could find about camera straps and quick release plates after reading that. Now I have this whole routine where I check everything three times before I even leave the house. Its like that one bad story just lives in your head forever and you can't shake it.