My pentax k1000 works great except for when I first load the film. Every time I first load the film, the rewind knob wont rotate when I snap pictures. Everything on the inside is intact and usually I have to open the back a couple times before it will actually work, exposing and wasting some of my film. I don't understand because the film is loaded correctly from what I can tell, and everything else works. I even watch the film advance while the back is open. Any help please?!

Perhaps the following site will help you visualize the fixing. I remind you that these film cameras sell for very little now days and can be purchased for a song. see: http://www.slideshare.net/lokerd/pentax-k1000-35mm-slr

There are a couple of possibilities that I can think of:

First, film must be loaded into the camera for the picture counter to increment.

Second, if you've loaded film, but the counter still does not change, it is possible the film is not advancing (the film release button/knob/lever that you use to rewind the film may be activated) or the film has slipped off the sprockets on the take-up spool.

If you can stand to lose the photos you may have already taken, just open the back of the camera and make sure the film is advancing when you take a photo.

If you can't possibly lose the photos, rewind the film and take the film to be developed. Try to find a local developer that only charges for the photos that "came out"... This can save a lot of money if only a few frames develop properly (or if none come out!)

first make a small hook on the end of a straightened paper clip. insert the hook and pull up rotating the hook as you pull up. being careful not to bend the spring near the hole. once the back door is opened check the rewind shaft, there should be a beveled edge on the collar of the shaft. rotate the shaft while pushing up. if no beveled edge on the shaft use the paper clip to push the spring out of the way while inserting the shaft. if it still will not return file a bevel on the collar of the shaft. I am assuming there is no film in the camera as the canister will prevent the shaft from falling in.

yes, after dark find the darkest room or closet you can find, make sure no light is coming in around the door. pull up on the rewind shaft to open the back door. remove the film and rewind it into the canister by hand. turning to the right.

Pentax fan

There is a spring in the way. straighten a paper clip and from the top of the camera push it out of the way while you gently push the shaft up. rotating the shaft helps.
or you could file a little of the shaft collar on an angle ( if it's not there ) then rotate the shaft while gently pushing up. don't bend the spring.

darrenwithey

just pull up the rewind knob.

mhamabrown,

push the rewind button on bottom of camera and turn rewind knob to the right, ( clock wise ) then pull the rewind knob up to open the film door.

bremerfamily,
to remove the shaft, lift the knob until the film door opens, place a small screwdriver between the prongs and turn the knob to the left. pull the shaft down and out. replace the shaft------ if the new shaft has a notch on the collar just rotate the shaft while pushing back in. if no collar, use a pin to push the spring away while inserting the shaft----- don't force it or you will bend the spring.

Hello

This problem could have a number of causes,

To check to see if it is a camera fault of developing fault you could try using a cheap colour film in the camera and getting it developed at a normal photo processor.
This will determine in which half of the process the fault lies.
If the pictures from the colour film are the same then it must be a camera usage problem or fault.
If the pictures are ok from the colour film then it will be a problem in either the film being used, developing problem (poor mix of chemicals etc).

This will just speed up the diagnosis a bit.

Hi., rotate the rewinder clockwise until the film will tightened , hold the film rotator , observe the rewinder knob moving , it means the film are engage will. then shoot for favorite angle.