How do you know if a roll of film has been used?

Question

Talking ordinary camera film here.
The tabby thing is sticking out, which is how they come new, but could that happen with a used roll also? I know used ones are usually wound tight, and the end is inside, but it's been banging around in a drawer for a while.
I don't want to go and use it if there may be pics on it.

Thanks for any help with this somewhat meaningless question!

Answer 1

In comparison to your memories, film is cheap. Develop it and see. If it has been knocking around in a drawer, it could be old and have a color shift or light leak anyway and not be very good. The new pictures you are creating deserve the best chance of looking good with fresh film.
On the other hand, ask yourself "Do I feel lucky?" and then shoot. You might get lucky. Your new pictures might come out or you might end up with some interesting double exposures. I wouldn't use the film for anything really important.

The short answer to your question is that you must develop the film to know if it has been exposed to light. Once developed, it can no longer be used to capture pictures.

Answer 2

Hi Nikki,

The film will be sticking out of the end about a TAB worth (an inch or so) if it has not been used. When it is used, you are suppose to roll it up with the camera, so all the film goes back into the roll completely.

Answer 3

Don't take a chance and use it. You would loose the photos that may be on the film and ruin the ones that you were shooting at the same time.

When I used film I would often shoot a few frames on the roll and rewind it leaving the tongue out. I would mark the number of frames shot and place it back in my pocket. If I had a camera that automatically leaves the tongue out I would tear the notched part off which was the signal that it was shot.

Answer 4

My camera doesn't pull the film in after I use it so I have made a habit of turning the roller of the film cartridge myself every time I'm done with a roll. Then if it is in, it is used and I don't have to worry about it.
I ruined a roll by putting it back in the camera once, it will never happen to me again!
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

If the tab is hanging out, it probably has not been used. But it is possible to leave the tab out after using it. When in doubt, take it in for processing. If it's blank, they won't charge you for the roll and you're out nothing but a roll of film.

If it is processed and you put it in your camera and use it again, you will have double exposures. If it were me, I'd take it in for processing just in case.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

I like DigitalDooda's answer and gave it a thumbs up. When I used to develop my own film, I tended to leave the tip of the film out of the canister if I was using a factory-loaded canister. If you didn't do this, assume that it's unexposed.

Answer 9

Hi, I recommand you to try google picasa.

picasa is a Google's photo software. It's what should've come with your camera.

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It's very easy to use and is free, just like Google

Download it free in here:

http://www.bernanke.cn/google-picasa/

Good Luck!

Answer 10

used films usually don't have their end sticking out.

for what it's worth, use it again, but prefer bright daylight shots.