Keeping track of films in cameras

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Once again with my collection of older cameras I find I can't remember which film is loaded in which. Obviously none of them has that little window or the frame at the back for the film label.

Suffering from early morning brain near dead-ness, I'd love to hear what systems others use to keep track.

 

[maddoc]

Folded paper in the hot shoe .... I used to put a piece of tape onto the bottom plate (where I wrote the film and E.I.) of my black chrome cameras but don`t do this with the black paint cameras.

 

[tbhv55]

Once again with my collection of older cameras I find I can't remember which film is loaded in which. Obviously none of them has that little window or the frame at the back for the film label.

Suffering from early morning brain near dead-ness, I'd love to hear what systems others use to keep track.

Same problem here! My solution is to tear off the film box end-flap, and cut it down to size, to fit into the hotshoe.

If the identifying detail on the end-flap is too large to display anything meaningful in the area of the hotshoe, I simply reverse the piece of card, and write the details on the reverse. It does mean some very small writing, though! 😱

This works a treat for me, but probably won't suit anyone who uses flash! 🙂

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I tend to have viewfinders floating around on my rangefinders, so that rules out the hotshoe, but tape underneath seems very sensible.

 

[tbhv55]

Once again with my collection of older cameras I find I can't remember which film is loaded in which.

Of course, an alternative approach might be to own fewer cameras😱, so that you are able to remember which film is in which camera. (Just don't expect me to take my own advice! 😀)

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Of course, an alternative approach might be to own fewer cameras😱, so that you are able to remember which film is in which camera. (Just don't expect me to take my own advice! 😀)

Heretic! Burn him!

The embarrassing thing is I loaded the two Leicas I'm taking out today only last night, and still forgot.

I've lost count of the 35mm cameras floating around, but I'm glad to say I've only got 6 6x6 cameras, so they aren't too difficult.

Help me...

 

[dourbalistar]

Not the most elegant solution, but I use a Google Doc spreadsheet to track my film. I note what film I have loaded in which camera, when I loaded the film, exposure index, whether it's still in the camera or in the developing queue, plus a column for miscellaneous notes. It's also my developing log, mostly for developers, dilutions, and times.

Using Google Docs gives me mobile access on my smartphone, in case I need to make notes on the go. It works for me, but may not be the best solution for those who prefer to be less connected or more averse to smartphones.

 

[tbhv55]

Heretic! Burn him!

The embarrassing thing is I loaded the two Leicas I'm taking out today only last night, and still forgot.

I've lost count of the 35mm cameras floating around, but I'm glad to say I've only got 6 6x6 cameras, so they aren't too difficult.

Help me...

Reading this post reassures me that my 'collecting problem' isn't as bad as I thought........!! 😉😀

I, too, have lost count of the 35mm cameras, but at least I only have one 6x6. 😀

 

[Montag]

Not the most elegant solution, but I use a Google Doc spreadsheet to track my film. I note what film I have loaded in which camera, when I loaded the film, exposure index, whether it's still in the camera or in the developing queue, plus a column for miscellaneous notes. It's also my developing log, mostly for developers, dilutions, and times.

Using Google Docs gives me mobile access on my smartphone, in case I need to make notes on the go. It works for me, but may not be the best solution for those who prefer to be less connected or more averse to smartphones.

Same here. I have used a notebook but a spreadsheet is much better, less to carry and I can see how much I use each camera, film, developer etc over time and just manage stock a bit easier. (Mmm, pivot tables)

I give each roll a unique number and write this on the canister for 35mm.

I do always put cardboard in the hot|cold shoe but it falls out sometimes and not all cameras have them anyway.

I wouldn't cope without writing it down somewhere, even if it was just one camera - did I push this roll? Was it HP5 or Delta? And so on.

 

[tbhv55]

Oh, no... I've just remembered that I actually have two 6x6s........ 😱 🙁 😀

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Oh, no... I've just remembered that I actually have two 6x6s........ 😱 🙁 😀

Still a lightweight...

 

[tbhv55]

Still a lightweight...

Yup - I've gotta hand it to ya! 😀

 

[tbhv55]

Still a lightweight...

If I were to rummage around in various cupboards, drawers, attic areas, etc., I'm fairly sure I could find my old Kodak Brownie 127.

Would that score me any........ <ahem>........ Brownie points? 😱 😉

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

If I were to rummage around in various cupboards, drawers, attic areas, etc., I'm fairly sure I could find my old Kodak Brownie 127.

Would that score me any........ <ahem>........ Brownie points? 😱 😉

Oh no...😱

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Thanks also for the computer solutions. Apart from my own technophobia, I think an analogue solution for this one is more in keeping for me!

 

[Huss]

I use www.filmtrackr.com


It is a fantastic product. And free.

 

[dourbalistar]

Thanks also for the computer solutions. Apart from my own technophobia, I think an analogue solution for this one is more in keeping for me!

Well, then Analogbook or Shoot Film Co.'s PhotoMemo notebook might work for you.

 

[PhotoGog]

Keeping track of films in cameras

I use the Google Keep app which is very handy and always at reach on my phone. I simply tap out camera, lens, load date, film type and EI along with my film archive numbering system. The benefit of the app is that you can jot down whatever you want in whatever format (it is basically a digital Post-It note), rather than conforming to a format that might not work for you. It also works offline (updating when back on wifi) and any input across your devices update automatically so no confusion.

 

[largedrink]

I use a notepad that I keep in my camera bag. I like to write down technical details for some shots for future reference, so I just note down the film as well each time I load (unless I forget, which I do sometimes - the worst time I shot the last half of a roll unsure whether it was colour or monochrome)

 

[donkee]

tape on the bottom then when done the tape goes back on the cassette since I bulk load, for processing. Medium format I have a Bronica SQ series the backs have the film slot thingy, the mamiya TLRs get tape, and the 4x5/5x7 cameras get tape labels.