Film Density Numbers
How to find your negative's individual density rating
Conveniently located on each proof and matching Glassine is that individual negative's density rating. On the back of your proofs:
(c) 1998 Your Studio Name U1 R0001 F001 S#1 72 0 4 2
The Film Density rating is indicated in bold (72).
On your negative Glassine:
ORDER#: 999999 R 1 F 2 S 0001 FT3 ANALYZER: 72 0 4 2 DATE: 01/01/98 DEVIATION: 32246489
Ideal Density ratings for skin tone
This Density rating is an average of the hi-light and the shadow side of the skin tones. Just look up your film type and cross reference the ideal density. Plus or minus (+/-) 16 density points is one full f-stop of over or underexposure.
Example: If you expose Portra Film (ideal = 64) and get a Density of 80 you are +1 stop over what K&K considers ideal density. A rating of 48 is -1 stop underexposed.
| Film Type | Manufacturer | Type | ISO | Ideal Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPH | Fuji | Color | 400 | 75 |
| NPH II | Fuji | Color | 800 | 77 |
| NPS | Fuji | Color | 160 | 72 |
| PMZ | Kodak | Color | 1000 | 64 |
| Portra (all types) | Kodak | Color | 160/400/800 | 64 |
| Portra 400bw | Kodak | B&W | 400 | 64 |
| PXP | Kodak | B&W | 125 | 64 |
| TMX | Kodak | B&W | 100 | 64 |
| TMY | Kodak | B&W | 400 | 64 |
| TMZ | Kodak | B&W | 3200 | 64 |
| T400 CN | Kodak | B&W | 400 | 64 |
| T400 CN | Kodak | Browntones | 400 | 49 |
| TX | Kodak | B&W | 400 | 64 |
| VPS | Kodak | Color | 160 | 64 |
| XP-2 | Ilford | B&W (C-41 process) |
400 | 64 |
A Final Note: Your individual results may vary. If your film density is normally a little over or underexposed, this is not necessarily a bad thing IF your final images are looking the way you like them. Severe under or overexposure should be avoided as it will effect the final color of your images.
Remember: That your lens shade, diffusion filters and vignetting all tend to lower the amount of light that exposes your film. You should compensate your final exposure to accomadate your individual studio and camera setups.
Negative Glassine Service
Why you should use it.
- Individually Numbered, Protective Pockets - Your 120 negatives are returned cut and ready for unit ordering.
- Convenient Unit reordering - just write the # of units per print size right on the glassine. You can order full, half or quarter units.
- Faster Unit Reordering - Analyzing information on glassines speeds up package printing.