This may be a silly question-but-can you remove the lens from an SLR camera while there is film in the camera?

-without ruining the film?

Yes. The shutter remains closed and protects the film. If it was not possible you would have to use the same lens throughout the film and not change to wide angle or telephoto. That would not suit many photographers.

Yes. The film is behind a shutter, a curtain of sorts in the camera behind the mirror and light metering area. The lens is removed from in front of this area, as to how depends on camera brand, the film is only exposed when the button is pushed and the curtain moves exposing the film the set time while closing aperture in lens.

Yes, you can change lenses while there is film in the camera. When I shot film, I did it quite often and never had anything bad happen to my film.

you certainly can

Abolutely. You can change lenses while there is film in the camera. What Henry V111 is thinking is incorrect.

Don't listen to HenyVIII. You can always change lenses mid-roll. Just don't lift the mirror or you may ruin that ONE frame but still not likely.


Henry VIII, obviously YOU are not a professional photographer. Have you ever seen a film slr before? If so, you'd know that there is a shutter and mirror blocking the film from the light. Even if the mirror was lifted and the shutter opened up somehow, only one frame would be lost. Please don't post if you're not sure of the answer.

WOW. Mr. Henry couldn't be more confused about the answer to this question. When not actuated, the reflex mirror and shutter both conceal the film, allowing you to change the lens. The whole point behind a shutter is to keep all light from exposing the film or image sensor until you press the shutter release. By his reasoning, being careful not to remove the lens for fear the shutter will not protect the film from light, you would expose it anyway as the lens aperture is always open.

Trust me, your film is safe, protected by the shutter and reflex mirror, in an SLR camera. So yes, you may change your lens whenever you need to.

No you cannot once you remove the lens you will get light into the camera thus ruining the film. Sorry.
If you have a dark bag (made for removing film) you could technically do it, but you would have to do it without seeing the camera.
You could also go to a camera shop and have the film removed.
You could also go to CVS or Walgreens and have them do it for you too (take the film out that is)

Hope this helps some.

To jump on the the first answer it is true that the shutter remains shut but would you like to take the chance at taking the lens out and messing up your film.

Obviously you are not a proffessional photographer and your camera could very well not be a proffessional camera which would allow you to do that without running the risk of ruining your film.