Top doesn't pop up (open) after rewinding - GE lectric Slimline 1Way VHS Rewinder 85201

What camera is it? On most older film cameras you lift the rewind crank to release the back or a separate lock for the back. Not having a film in will not affect the back opening mechanism. Check the book for your camera.

Open up the unit and clean the belt to remove the gloss. Use a cloth moist with rubbing alcohol to remove the gloss.

Open up the unit and clean off the belt. Scrub it with a cloth moist with rubbing alcohol. Also clean pulleys.

Try cocking the shutter with the camera back open, if that does not pop up the rewind button the camera may need service and lubrication.

You should take it to a vacuum repair shop. You are most likely not going to be able to repair the rewinder yourself and may get a nasty surprise if the spring pops out in your face. Access is with 4 screws ( depending on the model ) ; 2 under the bag housing lid, and the other 2 at the rear corners , under the rewind pedal or inside the power tool caddy.

After rewinding the film using the little crank on the knob on the left side of the camera, pull up gently until the door opens. this is the lock.

Pull UP on the knob on top of the camera (the rewind knob).
The back will pop open.

Hope this helps!

life up on manual film rewinder to release the the back to load film

If it is an SLR, there is a recessed button on the bottom of the camera that you push, then you flip the little handle out of the supply rear on top and crank clockwise, after the film is rewound and the real spins real easy, lift the supply real with the little handle and the back will pop open.

there should be a small but long narrow window on the back of the camera that should tell you if theres film in ther or not. to open the camera, flip the rewinding crank (located on the top left) and pull up until the back pops open.