How to Load Film into the Nikon N50 (F50)
This guide will show you how to load film into your Nikon N50. This will also show you how to make sure your camera is functioning properly so you don’t waste a roll of film.
If this is your first time using your Nikon N50, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
Before You Load Film
Check the Batteries
The Nikon N50 requires a battery to operate as all functions are electronically controlled. The Nikon N50 uses a 2CR5 battery , which can easily be found online but can be difficult to find in stores.
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 by opening the film door before it is rewound. The Nikon N50 has a film window on the back of the camera to see if there is a 35mm canister in the camera.
To remove a film canister from the N50, follow these steps on how to rewind and remove film from the Nikon N50.
Make Sure the Nikon N50 Functions Correctly
If your Nikon N50 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 functioning correctly before loading film.
With fresh batteries and no film, press the shutter button and listen for the shutter to fire and the film advance motor.
If you are using an autofocus lens, you may see an ‘Err CPU’ with a lens icon on the top LCD. This indicates that the aperture ring on the lens needs to be turned to the smallest aperture (highest number) that will usually be orange.
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
You need to use film with a DX code on the canister so that the N50 can set the correct ISO. All new film sold will have these codes on the canister.
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 Nikon N50 Film, but for the most commonly available films, my recommendations are:
Black Black & White White
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Color
Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Nikon N50. For demonstration purposes, I am using a “bad” roll of film that has been exposed.
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Open the film door.
To open the film door on the Nikon N50, slide the button down on the side of the camera. This will cause the film door to pop open.
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Load the 35mm film canister.
Tilt the film canister towards the bottom 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.
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Pull the film leader over to the film 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 aligned with the sprockets on the bottom of the take-up spool.
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Close the film door.
Carefully close the film door. You will be able to see the film canister through the window in the film door.
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The film will automatically advance to the first frame.
As soon as the film door is closed you will hear the built-in motor drive advance the film to the first frame. Looking at the top LCD you should see the frame counter showing ‘1’.
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You’re ready to take photographs.
Congratulations! You’re now 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 Nikon N50.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.