Keeping track of frames and exposures

picker77 · Jan 24, 2011

I hate making written notes in the field, but I hate even more trying to figure out two days later which frame it was that I used that orange filter on, and what exposure compensation I used at the time, yada yada. It would be great if MF film cameras like my Mamiya RB or 645 had data imprinting capability, but none of them do. Never understood why, it would have been a super attractive feature.

I was wondering if any of you guys or girls use one of those little pocket voice recorders to keep track of frame numbers and exposure info, and if so does it work well for this purpose?

bobwysiwyg · Jan 24, 2011

I use one when shooting with my 4x5. The only problem I have with it is having to listen to myself when I get home.

benjiboy · Jan 24, 2011

I use a pocket hard disc recorder.

Christopher Walrath · Jan 24, 2011

A small recorder would be perfect. Perhaps one you could dock to you computer and save the audio files.

35MM, unless it is a shot I go to great lengths to set up, I don't worry about recording much more than camera used, date amd location. 4x5 on the other hand, I keep meticulous notes.

jeffreyg · Jan 24, 2011

I'm like picker77, I don't keep notes especially when it is available light. Perhaps date and location and for filters if you use the same sequence for example no filter first and then from more intense to less you will know which one for each frame. None - orange - yellow etc.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

DWThomas · Jan 24, 2011

Yes, I have a little Sony voice recorder that can take an hour (2 hours?) at high quality or lots more at lower quality. I bought it at Staples for about $50 or so after seeing the idea suggested on an earlier thread. It is a model ICD-PX820 It's a lot easier than jockeying a pad and pencil on a windy day while keeping a bunch of camera gear under control. The files can be downloaded to the computer, or I usually just transcribe the exposure info and brief subject description into a spread sheet. The little bugger runs on two AAA cells and isn't much bigger than a cheap candy bar, we've come a long way from the cassette based jobbies.

Marc Akemann · Jan 24, 2011

I occasionally use an Olympus Digital Voice Recorder WS-310M. It does what it's supposed to do but I'd rather look at notes. So, one of the other tools I use to record my exposures is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmKkx7vG08I&feature=related .

-Marc

Mike Wilde · Jan 24, 2011

This could get me in trouble here, becasue it uses the D side ( an auto P&S) as a recording meduim.

When I do existing conditions surveys for planned road improvements, I take a picture of the map, or existing plans, with my thumb, as a part of holding the clip board, positioned next to where I am, and with the map/plans oriented as to where I am about to take the photo.

If I need to record more information, I have a whiteboard surface on the back of the clip board, and write out the text or sketch of what idea or data I wish to record with a wipe off marker, and then take a photo of the whiteboard. Then I proceed to take whatever photos I need to document the feature in question.

Back at the office I can look at the digital screen on the back of the P&S and neatly write up a field book (or negative file/prints if the primary image making tool was an analog camera).

picker77 · Jan 24, 2011

I don't mess with notes with 35mm myself either, I just use 36-exp rolls and bracket a lot with an F100. With MF/LF, though, when shooting multiple exposures of something like a landscape, old barn or whatever, I like to bracket with different exposures and maybe with a couple of different filters, and print contact strips to file with the negatives (turns out I'm a lot better at picking out good exposures looking at contact prints than when eyeballing negative density, lol). Writing basic info on the back of the contact print when I file it gives me a leg up on later printing decisions, which might come weeks or even months later. I think I'll try that little Olympus 7000 on Amazon for $29.99 with free shipping. Plenty of features for what I need and hard to beat the price.

Poisson Du Jour · Jan 24, 2011

Over three decades one indispensable item in my pack is a notebook. I would certainly recommend photographers do record exposures when trying something unfamiliar. Each and every exposure is recorded (frame #, mode, Tv, Av, filter, if any, lens, mirror lockup/delay, lighting conditions etc., and for star trails, all details of intervalometer settings) and when the film comes back, the record is removed from notes and inserted into a clearfile sleeve for instant reference back to every exposure. It is an automatic action for me to go from camera to notebook after each exposure, irrespective of whether I'm using 35mm or 120 pinhole. I do not record digital images as these carry their own information in EXIF form for reference.

The iPhone has a voice recorder and is useful for taking notes. We have Doctors to be thankful for the advent of voice recorders from way back: they will not go anywhere without a "corder" (my own Specialist in Nephrology has one in brushed mauve/silver that doubles as bling!).

Some 35mm and MF cameras imprint exposure data in the film rebate, but I have long forgotten which cameras do this. Is it the Contact RT??

OldBikerPete · Jan 24, 2011

Like many, my mobile 'phone (Nokia 6120) has a camera and voice recorder function which I press into use to make field notes.

lxdude · Jan 24, 2011

Poisson Du Jour said:
Some 35mm and MF cameras imprint exposure data in the film rebate, but I have long forgotten which cameras do this. Is it the Contact RT??

I know the Pentax 645n and II imprint it on the rebate.

Poisson Du Jour · Jan 25, 2011

lxdude said:
I know the Pentax 645n and II imprint it on the rebate.

I see.
In hindsight, as much as it might be useful over the lightbox, I'm not all that certain imprinted film is a better method than the time-honoured notebook and pen (or voicecorder). Each to his own...

Keeping track of frames and exposures

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