Loading film into an Olympus OM camera is easy once you’ve done it once – but the first time can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions.
This guide takes you through the process step-by-step, with a short video at the end to make it effortless.
Let’s get you shooting.
What You Need
- Your Olympus OM camera
- A roll of 35mm film (any brand, any ISO)
- A reasonably calm pair of hands
1. Open the Back of the Camera
Lift the rewind knob (top left of the camera) all the way up.
The back will pop open.
This works on all OM bodies – OM-1, OM-2, OM-2n, OM-10 etc.
2. Drop the Film Cartridge Into the Chamber
Place the film canister into the left-hand chamber with the film leader pointing right.
Push the rewind knob back down so it locks into place.
Give it a gentle turn – it should rotate freely.
3. Pull the Film Leader Across to the Take-Up Spool
Gently pull the film across the back of the camera.
Slot the film leader into one of the grooves or slots on the take-up spool (the small rotating drum on the right).
Tip:
You don’t need a long leader.
Just enough to catch the spool.
4. Advance the Film and Make Sure the Sprockets Catch
Turn the film-advance lever (top right) and press the shutter release.
Do this once or twice while watching the sprockets.
You want to check:
- Are the sprocket teeth grabbing the holes?
- Is the film lying flat?
- Does the take-up spool turn when you advance?
If yes → perfect.
If no → reset the leader into the slot and try again.
5. Close the Back and Check the Rewind Knob
Close the back firmly until it clicks.
Now turn the rewind knob gently clockwise.
If it tightens slightly → that means the film is correctly tensioned.
If it spins freely → the film didn’t catch and you need to reopen and reseat it.
This is the easiest beginner mistake – and the easiest to fix.
6. Advance to Frame 1
Advance the lever and press the shutter until the frame counter reaches 1.
On OM-1 and OM-2 bodies:
If the film is engaged properly, the rewind knob will rotate a little each time you wind on.
That’s your visual confirmation that everything is working.
7. Set Your Film Speed (ISO / ASA)
Look for the ASA dial around the shutter speed ring (on mechanical models) or on the top plate (OM-10 etc.).
Set it to match your film’s ISO – 100, 200, 400, 800 etc.
This tells the meter how sensitive your film is.
If you skip this, your exposures will be off.
8. You’re Ready to Shoot
That’s it.
Your Olympus OM is now loaded, primed, and ready for all the joy and heartbreak film photography brings.
Go slow, enjoy the viewfinder, and don’t forget:
On OM cameras, always advance smoothly – don’t slam the lever.
Troubleshooting (In Case Something Feels Off)
• Film counter isn’t moving?
Film isn’t catching → reopen and reseat the leader.
• Rewind knob isn’t turning when you wind?
Film isn’t tensioned → open, reset, try again.
• Back won’t close?
Film may be bunched or riding over the guide rails → flatten gently and retry.
• Film feels VERY tight after a few shots?
Could be nearing the end of the roll → don’t force it.
Watch: Loading Film Into an Olympus OM Camera
If you prefer seeing the process rather than reading it, this short video shows the exact steps above in real time.
There’s no voiceover – just clear, close-up visuals of loading a roll of 35mm film into an Olympus OM body, from opening the back to winding on to frame 1.
Watch it once, then try it yourself.