Film Photography multiple Exposure?

I was out earlier shooting some images (using a Nikon FE, just in case that helps) when I was testing to see if a switch did as i thought. It did, it allowed me to make a multiple exposure, not advancing the film when I push the film advance lever. Only problem is, I assumed i'd be able to abort it. I spent a little while trying to see what I should do, it seemed as though the only way to make the film advance would be to take another exposure. So gave up and just took another, but I covered my lens (with the lens cap and also my hand) as well as pressing the view finder to my chest in case any light got in that way. I did also put the settings to F22 and 1/1000th for even less possibility of light. I'm assuming that because no new light got in, there won't be any change to the first image? Is this correct? And also if there's a different way to abort making a multiple exposure on a Nikon FE I'd be glad to hear it.

You did perfect! The steps you took should work fine, and are indeed, what has to be done in such a circumstance. Your previously exposed frame should be ok.

Yes! You nailed it! Got it absolutely right.

The Nikon FE is a great camera and if you want to use it effectively without the guesswork, you're well overdue to read the instruction manual found here for free:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/nikon/nikon_fe/nikon_fe.htm

Page 36 specifically covers how to make multiple exposures on a single frame and on the FE, there's a dedicated switch coupled to the advance lever to do so, unlike most 35mm SLR's. So I hope that his is the mystery switch that you were using! Most people simply use the film rewind button on the bottom plate of the camera which is not as accurate.

And no, you can't "abort" this function, you have to advance the film after releasing the switch in order to continue shooting. Your thinking was correct about blocking the light but next time, instead of just tinkering with a loaded film camera and potentially wasting a good shot, just study the manual so you know for sure!

Who knows what other cool things you may find in there that you didn't know your camera could do!

Happy snapping!

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