Negative storage?

[Rogier]

I am not happy with my current manner of storing negatives.
The polypropylene sleeves that fit in a binder are never big enough of one full roll of film either 35mm 36 exposures or 120.
Also the static electricity build up when pulling out of the sleeve is not a great start for a dust free scan.
My last gripe is that its hard to write on the index and its never big enough.

Would appreciate to hear how you solve this.
Currently I am looking into paper sleeves and envelopes. Sure they are not see-trough but since I am not into slides I don't mind that much.

Here is an example of the film storage I am looking into:

http://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/products/photographic/negative.aspx

 

[Tim Gray]

I currently use this system:
http://www.archivalmethods.com/Product.cfm?categoryid=2&Productid=93

The system consists of plastic sleeves that open from the top to accept a strip of negatives, a little envelope for each bunch of strips (i.e. a roll), and a box for all of the folders.

It's a bit pricey, but I've been happy with it. I buy the polyester (mylar) sleeves, but the polypropylene should be just as good for storage. Also you could do a different style of envelope or box if you chose. You can also buy the sleeving in a bulk roll from other suppliers I'm sure.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I use standard size sleeves. They fit a roll of 24 which is what I shoot, mostly. I number each roll on the upper right corner based upon the camera used; L1xxx for Leica N1xxx Nikon, etc. When I shoot a 36 exposure roll and I need 2 sheets they are numbered as follows: L1xxxA & L1xxxB. I put the date on the sheet. There are then indexes with these numbers; Leica, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, etc. I list the numbers in order of the year; 2008, 2009, etc. I then have 2 sets of files; one in the computer and a hard copy with the negatives. They are updated after every roll is processed. On this file I provide all the relevant information that I find necessary, camera, lens, date, location, individuals, event, etc. I also, when each roll is processed (I do not process my own film) have the processer provide me with a 4x6 index or contact sheet. On that contact sheet I place the index number, date, and any other relevant information. I keep all 4x6 photos (as I see fit) as provided to me by the processer in books. Along side the first shot from that roll I write the index number and alongside each photograph I write the minimum amount of information, name of subject, date, camera, lens. (This is not necessary for each photo as there could be 10 photos of the same subject, same date, time, location, camera & lens and one entry would suffice.) When I want to have an image reproduced or blown up I retrieve the negative along with the 4x6 print and submit both to the processer. This way the processor knows exactly which image is to be reproduced and there is no confusion. I use posits on the 4x6 photo to indicate cropping.

 

[Rogier]

Thanks Tim,

I had spotted this system before and liked it. Just gave the company a call to have some of my questions answered.

Will think about it, but I sense that it might be a good fit for me 🙂

I currently use this system:
http://www.archivalmethods.com/Product.cfm?categoryid=2&Productid=93

The system consists of plastic sleeves that open from the top to accept a strip of negatives, a little envelope for each bunch of strips (i.e. a roll), and a box for all of the folders.

It's a bit pricey, but I've been happy with it. I buy the polyester (mylar) sleeves, but the polypropylene should be just as good for storage. Also you could do a different style of envelope or box if you chose. You can also buy the sleeving in a bulk roll from other suppliers I'm sure.

 

[Rogier]

Thanks Steve,

I shoot 36 - 38 exposures per roll and don't like to store on two pages.
The archival system is an other story, you have a good system 🙂

My plan is to start using PhotoMechanic where all the information can be stored with the image in the EXIF file. So the information is independant of what ever data base is related to it. Witch I still use but at least there are more options.
For sure there will be a link between negative and file!

But also I am planning to add detailed information with the negatives, just in case. Perhaps I can print directly on the envelopes or simply put a large label on it printed with my Dymo printer.

I use standard size sleeves. They fit a roll of 24 which is what I shoot, mostly. I number each roll on the upper right corner based upon the camera used; L1xxx for Leica N1xxx Nikon, etc. When I shoot a 36 exposure roll and I need 2 sheets they are numbered as follows: L1xxxA & L1xxxB. I put the date on the sheet. There are then indexes with these numbers; Leica, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Nikon, etc. I list the numbers in order of the year; 2008, 2009, etc. I then have 2 sets of files; one in the computer and a hard copy with the negatives. They are updated after every roll is processed. On this file I provide all the relevant information that I find necessary, camera, lens, date, location, individuals, event, etc. I also, when each roll is processed (I do not process my own film) have the processer provide me with a 4x6 index or contact sheet. On that contact sheet I place the index number, date, and any other relevant information. I keep all 4x6 photos (as I see fit) as provided to me by the processer in books. Along side the first shot from that roll I write the index number and alongside each photograph I write the minimum amount of information, name of subject, date, camera, lens. (This is not necessary for each photo as there could be 10 photos of the same subject, same date, time, location, camera & lens and one entry would suffice.) When I want to have an image reproduced or blown up I retrieve the negative along with the 4x6 print and submit both to the processer. This way the processor knows exactly which image is to be reproduced and there is no confusion. I use posits on the 4x6 photo to indicate cropping.

 

[Tim Gray]

For what it's worth, I also encode data in my scans in Photomechanic and write some notes on the little envelopes. I don't scan every frame, but there's usually 5-10 frames per roll that are scanned, so all of my rolls have some kind of digital record too.

 

[DNG]

I use "Print File" archive system... the ones that can used in a 3 ring binder, or Hanging File Cabinet... I use the Hanging file system... 35mm hold 7 rows of 6 (42ex) PLUS it has a Built in slip for a Contact sheet.

35mm slides... holds 20 LONG END hold cross bar for hanging (available separately from Print File)... I got them at B&H..