How to "write" on leader of film.

Wallendo · Jun 9, 2021

MattKing said:
It is better to dedicate one frame to a shot which records the details.
You will most likely need to mark the cassette or backing paper as well.

I generally do this. I type in the camera/lens/film information in a photoshop document and photograph the screen. Since I usually bulk load, it is no problem just to wind on an extra frame.

Kodachromeguy · Jun 9, 2021

RLangham said:
That reminds me of the notch codes that a previous owner carved into the bottom flap of my 4x5 holders

Many years ago, I bought a well-used Rolleiflex 3.5F with 5 tiny and precise V notches in the film gate. I assume the studio or individual who owned it also had at least 4 other Rolleiflexes. This camera was sublime optically. I stupidly sold it when I thought digital would be the way to move forward photographically. You all know how that Siren song turned out.

E. von Hoegh · Jun 10, 2021

Kodachromeguy said:
Many years ago, I bought a well-used Rolleiflex 3.5F with 5 tiny and precise V notches in the film gate. I assume the studio or individual who owned it also had at least 4 other Rolleiflexes. This camera was sublime optically. I stupidly sold it when I thought digital would be the way to move forward photographically. You all know how that Siren song turned out.

The film gate notching was done be newspapers too. And news services did use Rolleis.
I have a '46 Rolleiflex Automat, very well used & also well kept. That curved shield/spring which keeps tension on the film roll has it's plating worn off exposing the base metal (phosphor bronze?), it must have had miles of film through it. the glass is pristine and after some tlc it's working as it should. The Opton Tessar is excellent.

PerTulip · Jun 15, 2021

Digger Odell said:
So I have a few cameras that I would like to film test and am looking for a way to "write" on the leader so that it will be permanent. eg. survive the developing process. I would like to batch these together so developing 1 at a time is out.

What do you suggest?

Before even dealing with sharpies: write whatever information you need on a piece of paper and make a photo of it with the 1st frame. Fastest method.

railwayman3 · Jun 15, 2021

PerTulip said:
Before even dealing with sharpies: write whatever information you need on a piece of paper and make a photo of it with the 1st frame. Fastest method.

I can remember doing this with your name and address, in case of a lost or mixed-up film at the lab. (Actually I have had this happen twice with supposed "professional" labs ! ). If you take it carefully on exposure number "0", you usually still get 36 exposures on the film.

RLangham · Jun 15, 2021

railwayman3 said:
I can remember doing this with your name and address, in case of a lost or mixed-up film at the lab. (Actually I have had this happen twice with supposed "professional" labs ! ). If you take it carefully on exposure number "0", you usually still get 36 exposures on the film.

Hmm, very skillfull if so. I can get an extra frame seventy percent of the time, depending on how the take-up spool in the camera works.

How to "write" on leader of film.

Wallendo

Kodachromeguy

E. von Hoegh

PerTulip

railwayman3

RLangham

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