On a Kodak M35 camera, the 'S' on the film counter stands for Start. It indicates the initial position of the film roll when you begin the loading process.
Understanding the Film Counter and 'S'
The film counter on your Kodak M35 is a crucial indicator of your film's status. When you open the back of the camera to load a new roll of film, the film counter automatically resets to 'S'. This signifies that the camera is ready for the film to be loaded and advanced to the first shootable frame.
Advancing Beyond 'S' to Begin Shooting
Once you have correctly loaded your film, you cannot immediately start taking pictures. The 'S' position is merely the starting point for film installation, not for shooting. To ensure your pictures are correctly exposed on fresh film, you must advance the film past 'S' until the counter reaches '1'.
Here's how this process typically works on a Kodak M35:
- Initial Advancement: After closing the camera back, you will need to advance the film a few times. This usually involves winding the film forward using the film advance wheel until the slack is taken up and fresh, unexposed film is positioned for the first shot.
- Reaching '1': Generally, it takes about two or three frames of advancement from the 'S' position to reach the '1' mark on the counter. This ensures that any film exposed during the loading process (the leader or initial frames) is wound past the shutter gate.
- Automatic Advancement: For simple, automatic cameras like the Kodak M35, this process is often streamlined. You might only need to press the shutter button once, or wind the film advance lever, and the camera will automatically advance the film to the '1' position, indicating it's ready for your first photograph.
Practical Tips for Loading Film
- Loading in Low Light: If possible, load your film in a dimly lit area to minimize any risk of light leaks fogging the film leader.
- Secure Installation: Ensure the film leader is properly inserted into the take-up spool and that the film sprockets engage correctly with the film perforations.
- Check the Counter: Always confirm that the film counter has moved from 'S' to '1' before you start shooting. This verifies that the film is properly advancing and you won't accidentally take pictures on already exposed or blank sections.
For more general information on how to load 35mm film, you can refer to resources like this guide on loading 35mm film.
