How to Load Film into the Nikon N65 (F65)
This guide will show you how to load film into your Nikon N65 and how to make sure the camera is functioning properly. If this is your first time using your Nikon N65, make sure to read through the before you load film section.
Before You Load Film
Check the Batteries
The Nikon N65 requires batteries to operate as it has an electronic shutter and built-in motor-drive.
The Nikon N65 uses two CR2 batteries , which can easily be found in stores and online.
Make Sure the Nikon N65 Functions Correctly
If your Nikon N65 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.
If you are using an older autofocus lens, you may see a flashing ‘EE’ 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.
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 Nikon N65 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 N65, follow these steps on how to rewind and remove film from the Nikon N65.
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 N65 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 35mm film, but for the most commonly available films, my recommendations are:
Black Black & White White
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Step-by-Step How to Load Film
Time needed: 1 minute.
How to load film into the Nikon N65. 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 N65, 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.
Load the film canister into the camera. 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.
With your left hand hold the film canister in place. With your right hand gently pull the film leader over to the take-up spool. 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.
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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! 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 Nikon N65.
Where to develop film? You can do it at home, or send it off to a lab to be developed and scanned.