Ever look at your processed sheet film and ask yourself; Which exposures was this? Which filter did I use? What development time did I use? Yes, we have been there ourselves and it does become a perplexing problem at times identifying each sheet of finished film.
They say, “necessity is the mother of invention” and from the perplexing problem of sheet film identification, we have devised a film numbering system that involves a small modification to the film holder. This system has been so successful for us in its implementation, that we have used it on every size film, from LF to ULF for over 20 years now. In 2007, JB published a short article titled “A QUICK & EASY SHEET FILM NUMBERING SYSTEM” which you can find in the “Articles” section of our web site. If you have not seen it; drop by jbhphoto.com and take a look.
We have now added this short workshop, which will give you a much more detailed look at the numbering system and how it is implemented. If you are not sure exactly how to modify your film holders; in this workshop we outline the tools; the procedure; and you will watch as JB modifies a holder using this easy numbering system.
We hope you will find our SHEET FILM NUMBERING SYSTEM as useful as we have.
Why take this workshop on film holder numbering?
If you have ever had trouble identifying your sheet film once it has been processed, then you understand the problem. We have a simple solution that has worked for over 20 years for us.
Who is this workshop for?
This negative identification system is for those that work with large format and/or ultra large format film.
What does this workshop cover?
We will cover the tools and techniques you will need to implement this numbering system.
Are there real examples?
Yes. We will show you the tools; how to setup; and go through the actual modification of a 4x5 film holder. See the full curriculum below.
How does this workshop work?
This is an online video-based workshop, where you will learn how to modify your sheet film holders to encode the holder number onto the film.
What if I have questions or need help?
We are always available to answer your questions via email.
Your Instructor
JB Harlin started experimenting in the wet darkroom over 40 years ago, beginning with a very modest temporary setup in a small closet. He shot 35mm and worked at honing his skills with film and printing as a hobby, a way to relax, and to explore the urge to be creative. JB has tinkered with the camera ever since he received his first Kodak Brownie Starflash when he was nine years old. It took JB way longer than it should have to realize that he could develop and make prints himself. Fortunately, once he got started the fascination has never ended. Over twenty-five years ago JB began working with LF, then ULF and he has never looked back. Traditional wet darkroom photography is his passion and this is what he does.
Susan Harlin grew up in a house that had a darkroom. Her Mother was an artist and used a camera to capture ideas she would later paint on canvas. At a young age, Susan had the opportunity to make a few contact prints, just enough to peak her curiosity. After working as a professional pianist as an adult, Susan was once again fascinated by the art of photography. Susan has spent the last twenty-five years working and honing her darkroom skills, practicing the art of LF and ULF film photography. Traditional Black & White film is her chosen medium and where she spends her creative time.