Kodak Film Specification

I am posting this to help people understand film codes and specifications numbers.

The film code is 4 digits. The first two digits identify the film base and usually the last two the light sensitive emulsion used.

The film specification number describes how is finished i.e. width, winding, perforated or not, packaging etc. i.e. 404 is 35mm, darkroom load, KS perforations, on a 2-inch OD plastic U-core, and is frame numbered. The spec number can have minor changes. There are hundreds of spec numbers depending on what combination of the variables are used.

Bob Shanebrook
I have a few copies of the first edition available. The 2nd edition is out of print.

www.makingKODAKfilm.com

SOME of the SP numbers are listed if you download the Motion Picture catalog and price list, but only one that have some application to Movies.

the 404 that Bob mentions is not here, and the 401 and (from my youth 402) are also omitted, 417 does have movie use so is listed.

the thing to be caseful off with the 4 digit codes is that they are (or were) regularly recycled. for example EASTMAN Ektachrome 100D has the same number that used to apply to Eastman High speed Colour Negative back in the 20th centrury. (5294)
Lets thank Bob for all the information he has made available to us, and if you can find both versions of his book, they do have different coverage of topics. the second is almost an encyclopedia of Kodak Park.

I've got both editions (autographed by Bob S. Thank You very much!)

I couldn't find a Sp list. As Cmac123 mentioned some of the specs are on Eastman Kodak cine film lists.

These books are a treasure trove of wonderful information, pictures etc. Both editions are worthy books!

Thank you for the kind comments. I wrote the books because I enjoyed working in the photographic and APUG/Photrio Communities.

Best regards,

Bob

I wonder if the entire list was ever put together anywhere? it would have to include the details of 616 and 620 film. on up.

the motion Picture catalog does show a LOT of SP numbers for example of 35mm perforated 16mm, Regular 8 and super 8 all of which have probably NOT been made in 30 or more years. I am thinking for example of SP715 35mm perforated as Super 8 5 Row winding a. (for making Super 8 Home movie prints from colour Negatives)

the other "funny" thing is that some SP numbers come in more than one lenth. for example Movie Camera rolls often come on SP718 (35mm U core, BH perfs footage numbered - {these days Keycode Numbered } ) but can be either 400 or 1000 ft long.

and watch out for sp683, BH perfs but with the ID mid print. (sound film to allow for the now defucnt SONY SDDS system. That used both edges of the film.)

laser said:

...The 2nd edition is out of print...

Click to expand...

Bob, have you considered selling the second edition as a PDF?

... or print-on-demand?

the second edition has a LOT of Colour Photos on almost every page. this thread is temping me to have another read of my copy.