BetterPhoto Q&A
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Cari Anne		Retrieving a film leader... I accidentally wound unexposed film entirely back into the canister. Are there any at-home tricks to get it back out again? To love this question, log in above February 06, 2006

Bob Cammarata		I don't know of any "at-home tricks" that actually work. We've all done this at one time or another and it can be frustrating. The only success I've had was with a commercially made leader retriever. You can see one at this link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=86403&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation These handy little devices can be found at most "real" camera stores and they are cheaper than a roll of film. To love this comment, log in above February 06, 2006

- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery		Just take it to a one hour place and have them pull it out. To love this comment, log in above February 06, 2006

Cari Anne		Thanks for the responses; I appreciate all of you who go through and respond to questions/photos from little people! To love this comment, log in above February 06, 2006

Samuel Smith		i have never had this happen,and there are no little people.just a mistake. get your head up,we all make them. To love this comment, log in above February 06, 2006

Mark Feldstein		Hey Cari: Another trick you can try is hold the cannister vertically with the take-up spool facing up. Then turn the take-up spool clockwise, very very slowly. Sometimes you just get lucky and the leader pops out or you may have to snag the end with a pair of tweezers or splinter forceps. Last resort technique: In a darkroom or suitably dark closet, etc., smack the spool end on a hard surface being careful to catch the end cap if it flies off. (Tough to find in the dark). Feel for the leader and just slip it back through the slot. Then wrestle the end cap back on, but feel around its edge to make sure it's seated firmly back on the cannister. Careful, they may spring off on ya. If you plan to do this often, get a couple of bulk loading film cassettes. The end caps are easier to replace than on a standard film cassette. Take it light, (but keep it in the dark) Mark To love this comment, log in above February 08, 2006

Cari Anne		Merci, Mark. My photography professor luckily had a leader retriever, but I've copied your ideas into a word document for next time ;-) To love this comment, log in above February 09, 2006

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