Loading the Pentax ME can seem foreign if you've never used a film camera.
For today's new digital photographers, loading a roll of film into a manually-operated single lens reflex (SLR) camera like the Pentax ME can be awkward, if not downright perplexing. A number of problems can arise including misaligned sprocket teeth, or an inadvertently depressed rewind button. Both of these errors will result in faulty loading or advancing of the film. If you have recently picked up a Pentax ME for a bit of film-related fun, use the tips that follow to avoid loading issues.
Instructions
1. Ensure that the small, recessed film rewind button on the underside of the camera is not depressed. If it is, open the camera back by pulling up on the rewind knob (located on the top left of the camera), press the shutter button several times, and then close the back. The rewind button will be popped back out.
2. Open the back and pull the rewind knob all the way up. Place the film cartridge into the compartment on the left side of the camera, protruding end facing down. Push the rewind knob all the way down to secure the cartridge.
3. Pull the film leader, the portion which protrudes from the canister, across the back of the camera and toward the take-up spool. Insert it in between any of the white pins on the take-up spool. Ensure that the leader is firmly seated between these pins to avoid slipping of the film.
4. Push the film advance lever, located on the top right of the camera, forward to advance the film. Check that the small sprocket teeth on the rotating pin next to the take-up spool have engaged the perforations that run along the top and bottom of the film.
5. Press the shutter button. Push the advance lever once more, this time watching the film rewind knob to check that it rotates counterclockwise. This will indicate that the film is correctly loaded, and is advancing normally. Gently tighten any excess slack in the film by turning the rewind knob clockwise.
6. Check that the film rests straight across the inside of of the camera, and close the back. Alternate between firing the shutter and advancing the film until the frame counter on the top of the camera reads "1." This indicates that the camera is ready for shooting.
Tags: rewind knob, rewind button, take-up spool, advance lever, advancing film