Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2025/09/28

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Subject: [Leica] D'oh! Opened M3 with film inside!
From: peter.cheyne at gmail.com (Peter Cheyne)
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2025 18:13:09 +0900

Cheers, Peter and Nathan,

I'm going to go with Peter's suggestion and keep using it. The next 4
frames will be throwaway snapshots and I'll see how the remaining
frames work out.

At least I wasn't outdoors, so hopefully only about 5 frames are ruined.

Now I know to check for tension on the rewind button, next time!

Will let you know how it works out! Recently moved to Hiroshima, so
will look for some nice local images to make.

All best,

Peter


........

Totally sympathise, Peter.

I have done the same several times after putting the M3 away for a few
weeks. It's impossible to sayhow much will go. There are several
factors, but when I did it a while back (like you I thought the camera
was empty) I decided to get the film processed. Only about five frames
were totally ruined. I was extremely lucky.

You won't know how much damage has been done until you develop it. When
you decide to do that is up to you. Personally I would rewind it and dev
it now, but it's your call.


Peter
..............
I would definitely not use it for further photos. I would develop it to see
what could be salvaged from the roll.

Been there, done that.

Cheers,
Nathan

Nathan Wajsman
photo at frozenlight.eu

http://www.fotocycle.dk/paws
http://www.greatpix.eu
http://www.frozenlight.eu
@nwajsman.bsky.social


Replies: Reply from bmwred735i at gmail.com (Frank F) ([Leica] D'oh! Opened M3 with film inside!)
Reply from pdzwig at summaventures.com (Peter Dzwig) ([Leica] D'oh! Opened M3 with film inside!)