Film & darkroom
Keep a contact sheet’s frame order usable
Make it an index to the negatives.
A contact sheet is most useful when readers can locate the original frame from it.
Plan the arrangement
Keep negatives in a clearly documented sequence and follow the contact-printing guidance for your materials. Include the roll identifier on the record. Do not silently shuffle frames to make the page look nicer if the sheet will be used as a collection index.
Evidence: Manufacturer guidance
Check the lookup
After processing and drying, select several frames and locate their negatives. Note any omitted or damaged frames. Keep an intact reference copy and mark selections on a separate working copy if necessary. A visually attractive sheet that cannot identify its own frames is a weak archive tool.
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- ILFORD PHOTO — making a contact sheetManufacturer guidance