Many questions.

If the frame is completely blank, most likely - the shutter isn't opening at all. When the camera is empty, open the back and actuate the shutter a few times. Look for any kind of gummy residue on it that may be causing it to stick.

Do you get any partially blank frames? Like the shutter only opened half way, or only one curtain opened?


Like Ann was saying, if it was just an exposure problem, you would still (usually) be able to see something there.
 
So having the shutter and aperture set incorrectly could either allow too much light or not enough light that would cause the film to appear blank, correct?

The most usual causes of no images at all:
- film improperly loaded
- camera's lens cap left on
- broken camera (shutter malfunction ,etc)
- gross error in processing

Or, really silly things like:
- film shot and then inspected in daylight before processing "to see if the pictures are OK"
- film never even loaded in a camera at all before processing
- never advancing the film between "shots"

The remedy for most is to simply read and follow the camera's manual
 
Is it possible that the film was so over or underexposed that they looked blank, ever if they weren't?
 
Possible, but unlikely. Even with extremely underexposed film, you will usually see *something* on the negative.

(Look at the negatives, not the prints.)

If you can even just barely tell where the edges of the frame are - *some* light hit it.

edit
If after examining the negatives, the frames in question have absolutely no signs of light hitting it - I think you either have a malfunctioning camera, or you forgot to take the lens cap off.

Taking pictures with the lens cap on is highly unlikely on an SLR, but easy to do on a rangefinder...
 
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Blank means no exposure. You said in the orginal question that some images are on the film, which means they have been exposed, correctly or not you can see image of some kind. Correct? You also mention the blank film is at the beginning, is that correct? If so, you are just winding more film into the take up side of the camera with the lens cap on. It won't be exposed to the light and won't have anything but the numbers and film type which is revealed with development.
 
Okay, so I think it's the camera. After reviewing all of the feedback, everything points back to a malfunctioning camera. Thanks so much for your help :)
 

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