Keeping track of different film in different bodies

[t.s.k.]

I've slowly shifted my attention to medium format.
Lately my M bodies have sat for a few weeks loaded with half exposed rolls.
Presently I have four M bodies with film in three of them but I've completely forgotten which is where.
I now realize I need a "system" to keep track of things.

I've excluded half cases as they are too cumbersome for me.
With the absence of any pocket on Leica cameras, what method do you use to monitor what film is loaded in your M bodies?

[david.elliott]

I just stick a post-it note on the camera.

[t.s.k.]

Post-its work at home but in the field, after loading my third roll in the rain, it just isn't practical.

[Film dino]

Masking tape & a Sharpie?
Or different coloured soft-release buttons, assuming you use them.

[FrankS]

masking tape on the bottom to write on, or a small sqaure of match book cover paper (or similar thick paper) inserted into the hotshoe with film type/speed written on it.

[matt_s]

i just picked up a camera to shoot last weekend and realized it had film already loaded. No idea what type of film. I just guessed at 400 speed. It helps that I shoot mostly 400 speed in 35mm, but pushing two stops either way would not have killed the roll.

Maybe I should only shoot one speed of film. Let me know if you come up with any good ideas.

Trying to remember what film is loaded in what camera,

Matt

oh yeah- if i am shooting b&w film i always leave a pale yellow filter on the lens. It doesn't affect exposure too much and lets me know black and white is loaded. still doesn't help with the speed, though.

[flip]

I use white labels on the underside for contact info. I sometimes also put film info there. Or I use different colored dot stickers. That said, I have largely settled on what speed film goes into what body.

It does kinda dovetail with something I have pondered a bit recently. I tend to use the M3 for fast and M2 / Hexar for slow. IOW, I use the big lenses and fast film in the same camera - the M3 - in an effort to maximize my effectiveness at a given task. I could easily see going the other way and figuring that the fast lens can accommodate slower film, the the fast film, slower lenses, etc... I wonder if I am the only nut who does this....

[cfritze]

I cut an identifying square segment out of the cardboard film box to fit hot shoe

[rjbuzzclick]

+1 for masking tape and a Sharpie stuck on the bottom of the camera.

[Brian Legge]

Phone is always with me. I write it down there when I load a roll and don't finish it.

[nikon_sam]

Notepad, pencil...write down the last few digits of the camera body serial number and what's in it...you can add a date if needed...
You guys can rip apart a camera/lens and put it back together without any loss of sleep but can't figure out how to remember what film is loaded in there...come on...

[Keith]

I just have a sheet of A4 paper taped to the inside of the cupboard with a list of cameras that have film in them and what the film is!

[Roger Hicks]

Chrome cameras: soft pencil on the baseplate

Black paint cameras: Chinagraph wax pencil on the baseplate

Both wipe off fine.

Cheers,

R.

[B.J.Scharp]

My M3 has this nice round thingy on the back I can use to indicate film type and -speed...

[funkpilz]

The pencil on chrome thing is an awesome idea, Roger! Just tested it out, and it wipes off effortlessly. I think I'm going to use this from now on.

[srtiwari]

Hi Tony. Glad you're enjoying Medium format.
I use Avery removable labels , and keep a few sheets around. The 3/4"x1 1/2" stickers (Avery item 5430) just peel off, can be stuck to the baseplate after writing on, and easily removed without leaving marks. Putting it on the bottom doesn't mar the 'look' of the camera in use.

[oftheherd]

Originally Posted by rjbuzzclick

+1 for masking tape and a Sharpie stuck on the bottom of the camera.

When I am smart enough to remember, that is what I do as well. If not, then I have to sacrifice a frame to find out by rewinding the film. I do make sure to always load my cameras to the same spot on the leader so I can do that.

[drewbarb]

+1 for the masking tape on the baseplate method. I use a piece big enough to take basic shooting notes like subject matter and date as well as film type and speed used. When the roll is done, the tape goes around it to keep it identified through processing and archiving.

[newspaperguy]

Here's a whole different problem: But first, add me to the masking tape and sharpie crowd, plus I usually mark the camera/lens combo on the cassette after I complete the roll... sounds organized right?

Here's the hitch - Last week I dropped four rolls off for processing and scans at CVS and they batched the finished product together. No clue on two rolls as to what camera they came from. (These had been sitting for a few weeks.)

Resolved: I will shoot one frame of a post-it or similar, listing camera/lens with each roll.

I promise myself.

[venchka]

Blue painter's tape seems to stay on longer and leave less residue when you take it off.
Thanks for the label in the hot shoe tip.
So, blue tape on cameras without shoes. Box label for cameras with shoes.
I like it.

[MIkhail]

Originally Posted by cfritze

I cut an identifying square segment out of the cardboard film box to fit hot shoe

That's a good idea!

[Pickett Wilson]

I use the round self stick color coding dots (each about the size of a US Nickel). They come on sheets, of 28 to sheet, four colors on each sheet. In addition to a different color for each film, I write the film type (Tri-X for example) and the ISO I'm exposing it at on the dot and stick it on the film can or cartridge, then stick it on the bottom of the camera when I load it. When I change film, I transfer the dot back to the film cartridge or can. Each sheet of the dots is about 3x6 inches and easily fits in camera bag or pocket.

[drewbarb]

The tape is use is not really masking tape- it's called paper tape; sold at photo and art supply stores. It's similar to the blue painters tape, but comes in a variety of colors; I use white. Anyway, it doesn't leave residue on the camera.

[Pablito]

just use the same film always.

[t.s.k.]

Thanks for some fantastic ideas everyone.