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Pen for writing on 35mm FP4+ film base?

Steve Goldstein

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Joined
Jul 8, 2007
Messages
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Location
Northeastern US
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I currently use a black Staedtler Pigment Liner to write identifying codes on the base side of 120 strips and 4x5 sheets (TMY, FP4+, HP5+, Efke R25) and previously used a Pigma Micron pen - I switched because the Staedtler improved the code legibility on my contact sheets. The markings always dry in a few seconds. But when I try to mark the base of 35mm FP4+ it seems neither pen ever dries. Perhaps I'm simply lacking patience, but I'd think a minute or so ought to be ample drying time!

What do folks use to mark their 35mm film strips?
 
When I did this, the world was entirely different .
I used what was then known as a "technical pen" which I believed was a tool used by draughtspersons.
 
Both worlds for me. I used to use the "technical pen" that Matt mentions (Koh-i noor Rapidographs, with India ink). I have never tried India ink on FP4 film, and these days I use Faber-Castell Ecco pigment or another one that the identifying label has worn off (I think it's a Pigma Micron). I only label 120 and 4 by 5, and did not have a problem with drying/permanence. I tried them on 35 mm FP4 just now, and both rubbed off even after waiting 5 minutes or so.

Please see this: https://www.largeformatphotography....ng-film-negatives-HABS-amp-HAER-guidance-2020

especially post #3.
 
the movie folks tend to favor "sharpie" pens, but I have not tried one on film base in a while.
 
cmacd123 said:
the movie folks tend to favor "sharpie" pens, but I have not tried one on film base in a while.
Click to expand...

Sharpies are OK and will work, but I've found these stink less and dry much faster, with just a slight isopropyl alcohol smell for a few seconds, even in humid conditions:

Permanent marker STABILO Write-4-all | STABILO

Discover all colors and variants of the permanent marker STABILO Write-4-all
www.stabilo.com

​

It would be unnecessary to look for anything more permanent to write on 35mm FP4 Plus. The acetate film base will "vinegar" before that permanent marking pen's ink fades.
 
Did you try a chinagraph pencil?

Faber-Castell Chinagraph Pencil Black: ​

Marker pencil for marking on glass, china, acetate, film and polished surfaces.​


They should be available at a good stationary supply store or online in your country. They also come in a selection of colours.
 
Indeed the writing of pigment pens, even dry, can be wiped off the base side (works on the emulsion side).
To write on the base side you need a solvent based pen, e.g. Stabilo permanent or Staedtler permanent. It will not wipe off, nevertheless the writing is less opaque than when writing on the emulsion side.
 
Sal Santamaura said:
It would be unnecessary to look for anything more permanent to write on 35mm FP4 Plus. The acetate film base will "vinegar" before that permanent marking pen's ink fades.
Click to expand...

properly procesed and stored as recomended, one can expect Acetate to be stable for 100 years. Unwashed, not well fixed, stored in a steam bath, packed in a rusty steel container, Packed with vinegar film, or exposed to industrial fumes, then the life is reduced.

 
Sal Santamaura said:
...It would be unnecessary to look for anything more permanent to write on 35mm FP4 Plus. The acetate film base will "vinegar" before that permanent marking pen's ink fades.
Click to expand...


I'm completely familiar with that and other work on the life expectancy of photographic materials. My comment was made with the data in mind. Pigment pens' longevity is appropriate for polyester-base film that will last at least 500 years. A mere one century on acetate is the blink of an eye. For which the markers we've been discussing are appropriate.
 
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