Stuck film advance lever?

I have a Nikon Nikkormat EL that my dad gave to me a few years back and I haven't used in a while. When I went to use it, the film advance lever is stuck. It will move from a closed to open position with no problem, but will not swing out to advance the film. I've fiddled around with it and replaced the batteries but nothing works. The frame counter is on S and I have no idea how to change it back to the beginning. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The frame counter resets when you open the camera back.

Have you tried tripping the shutter before winding again?

Most cameras require you to release the shutter (take a picture) before advancing again, as the film advance also tensions the shutter.

To reset the counter you usually have to open the back. S is usually for start, and a few types of camera won't advance it unless there's film in it. This might affect the advance lever as well… But most I know of will dry fire.

It needs servicing. Bring it to a qualified camera technician.

The counter will automatically reset when the (back) door is opened. It's a mechanical camera. The batteries are only for the lightmeter.

I had the same trouble with a nikkormat that sat a long time. The shutter button stayed down, and the film advance lever didnt move. I used a small pick to pull up the shutter button then it worked ok. I think the lubricant became hardened and dried out.