Foldable Film Reminders

The Problem: When shooting long-term projects with multiple film types across various cameras and film backs, it’s easy to lose track of which camera or back is loaded with which film and at what N-value or ISO rating.

The Solution: Create a film reminder card with predefined film types and development notes (including N-value and rated ISO). The design should allow it to be quickly folded into the correct orientation to display the relevant information without requiring writing tools during the loading process.

I shoot multiple formats across various cameras, often using 5-pack film packages that don’t come with, or have quite ugly, peel-off labels designed to go to film reminders typically found in many camera backs. Moreover, most of those standard labels lack space to note important details like push or pull development adjustments.

To address this, I designed a template that includes both predefined film types I frequently use and blank sections for custom notes.

When loading film into a camera, I simply fold the paper into the appropriate orientation and insert it into the film reminder slot. This way, I always know exactly what film is in the camera, its ISO rating, and any N-value adjustments.

For the Hasselblad V system, I printed all film stocks I shoot without ISO and N values, and the E12CC backs I use already have those two set on the back.

I’ve also found it extremely helpful to have “EMPTY” printed on one side. This lets me quickly identify which of my film backs are unloaded.

I also designed a blank A4 template with only an empty label for you to make your own. All you need is a printer, pencil, and cutting tools. Cut straight lines along the cut lines on the edges of the paper and open a slit on the dotted line.