Do not use an expired film pack as there maybe a problem with the film pack hence they have expiry dates.
The film pack is also the battery and if the packaging is damaged in any way this will start a chain reaction with the chemicals within the film pack which then means the life has started to expire. By the time you buy it, the life may have been used up already.
Both the camera and flash require use of the battery so if their is no battery or very little battery left the camera will not function as it should.
You must use a brand new film pack to ensure that this camera functions correctly.
