Note Taking in the Field

[jantman]

I use the printed form method, of my own design, but based roughly on that which AA outlined in the negative. One day I'll put a copy online somewhere.

I keep every possible bit of data, and it really helps out. It especially helps me with remembering stuff, like reminding me to factor in reciprocity correction for that fleeting night shot which I'm rushing to get.

Once I get home, this info, along with development info, goes into an MS Access database, though I'm thinking of moving it over to a MySQL-based system, so I can access it from anywhere.

 

[Shmoo]

On 4x5's, I use a strip of white artist's tape on the film holder, and I make note of the film type and speed. Then while I'm working, I record exposure, and f-stop. When I transfer the film to a film box or process it, I then transfer that little piece of tape to a notebook in sequence. I use the left side (back side) of a notebook (opened flat, left side).

Then when I go to print, I make print notations on the corresponding right side for the same neg. It's a small notebook with lots of pieces of tape, but I've never lost one!

I use

 

[Ole]

I can't believe I haven't answered this before...

I have a small notebook which I always bring with me in the field. It's 29 lines to each page, the size is about 3½" x 8". There's plenty of space for notes about lens, exposure, contrast level etc. All my holders are numbered, so I'll jot down something like "4A-SY150/1/50:11-E4-17" which would mean "Holder 4 side A: Symmar 150mm at 1/50s, f:11, contrast range 4-17 on my Pentax Spotmeter". I would then know that this negative will require very careful development to keep the contrast under control.

The next step is to take all my holders into the darkroom and develop everything by inspection - but the inspection light is too dim to read my notes. I will also promptly forget which film came out of which holder, except the few that were in Linhof holders with numbering intact...

 

[David R Munson]

While method of notation is a personal thing, I am a definite devotee of notebooks. I have a Rite in the Rain notebook I keep in my 8x10 backpack, and another I keep with my 4x5 kit. In general, though, I just write down all pertinent information in a type of notebook I have developed a bit of an obsession with - Moleskine notebooks. Everything I could ask for in a notebook - the pocket in back is particularly nice. I ge mine from Dick Blick, but they're available elsewhere, too.