[Leica] D'oh! Opened M3 with film inside!

[Peter Dzwig]

Totally sympathise, Peter.

I have done the same several times after putting the M3 away for a few 
weeks. It's impossible to sayhow much will go. There are several 
factors, but when I did it a while back (like you I thought the camera 
was empty) I decided to get the film processed. Only about five frames 
were totally ruined. I was extremely lucky.

You won't know how much damage has been done until you develop it. When 
you decide to do that is up to you. Personally I would rewind it and dev 
it now, but it's your call.

Peter

On 26/09/2025 07:09, Peter Cheyne via LUG wrote:
> Hi LUGers,
> 
> Opened up my M3 thinking there was no film in it. Wrong! It is at frame
> number 13. I took the bottom fully off but did not open the gate. It was
> indoors under medium LED ceiling lighting for a few seconds.
> 
> Roughly how many frames will be ruined? Would you keep using it?
> 
> Dunno what's on the earlier frames, likely nice family photos from 3 years
> ago or so.
> 
> All best,
> 
> Peter
> 
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-- 
Dr. Peter Dzwig