How to Load Film into the Canon EOS 650
This guide will show you how to load film into your Canon EOS 650 and how to make sure the camera is functioning properly. If this is your first time using your Canon EOS 650, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
Before You Load Film
Check the Battery
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The Canon EOS 650 requires a battery to function as all of the camera functions are electronically controlled.
The Canon EOS 650 uses a 2CR5 battery , which can easily be found in stores and online.
Make Sure There is No Film Loaded in the Camera
If there is any film left in the camera, it will be ruined if it is exposed to light. The Canon EOS 650 does not have a film window to see if any film is loaded in the camera. If the camera was purchased second-hand, it can be safe to assume any film left inside has already been exposed.
To remove a film canister from the EOS 650, follow these steps on how to rewind and remove the film from the Canon EOS 650.
Make Sure the Canon EOS 650 Functions Correctly
If your Canon EOS 650 has not been used in a long time or if it is your first time using the camera, check to make sure the camera is working correctly before loading film.
With a fresh battery and no film, turn the camera on, and press the shutter button. You should hear the mirror, shutter, and motor. You can take the lens off and watch the mirror move up and shutter open.
Do Not Load Film in Sunlight
You can ruin your film by loading it in direct sunlight or bright light.
Bright light increases the risk of light piping. When this happens light is able to penetrate through the light seal on the 35mm film canister.
The film is not guaranteed to be completely ruined. You could end up with varying degrees of fogging.
Fogging can produce a range of undesirable outcomes such as a loss of contrast, blown out streaks, or a completely exposed frame. If this problem occurs it should subside with progressive frames.
For Best Results, Use Fresh Film
Film degrades in quality over time. It should also not be exposed to hot temperatures like those in a car on a sunny day or attic during summer.
Expired film can be used, but you are not guaranteed predictable performance.
For the best results, use a fresh pack of film that is not expired. For a complete list of all types of film, check out the Best Canon EOS 650 Film, but for the most commonly available films, my recommendations are:
Black & White
Color
Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Canon EOS 650. For demonstration purposes, I am using a “bad” roll of film that has been exposed.
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Open the film door.
Canon EOS 650 Open Film Door To open the film door on the Canon EOS 650, hold down the slide lock button and then slide the lock down. This will cause the film door to pop open.
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Load the 35mm film canister.
Canon EOS 650 Load 35mm Film Canister Tilt the film canister towards the top of the camera to load it.
Take note of the orientation of the film leader which should be towards the bottom of the camera. The film leader is the half-width cutout at the start of the film roll. -
Pull the film leader over to the film take-up spool.
Canon EOS 650 Film Leader Take-Up Spool Gently pull the film leader over to the take-up spool. The tip of the film leader needs to be pulled to the red mark.
Make sure the perforations in the film leader are held in place by the sprockets on the bottom of the take-up spool. -
Close the film door.
Canon EOS 650 Close Film Door Carefully close the film door.
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Turn the camera on.
Canon EOS 650 Turn Camera On If the camera is not already on, turn it on by rotating the lock dial from the ‘L’ to the ‘A’.
You will then hear the film advancing to the first frame. -
Check the frame counter.
Canon EOS 650 Frame Counter The LCD should show a ‘1’ in the frame counter if the film has been loaded correctly.
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Override ISO set through DX-coding. (Optional)
Canon EOS 650 Manually Set ISO The ISO of the film will automatically be set. You can override that by pressing the yellow and blue buttons on the back of the camera at the same time and then using the dial next to the LCD to select a different ISO.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! Your camera is now correctly loaded with film and ready to shoot.
Once you’ve shot the roll of film, the camera will automatically rewind the film. If you want to remove the film before the roll is done, check out this guide on how to unload film from the Canon EOS 650.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.