Camera

• Large-format view for 4×5, 5×7 and 8×10 film. NPS recommends 5×7 for its flexibility.
• Flexibility for correcting perspective distortions.
• A lens/camera combination that avoids vignetting, where the equipment itself enters into the edges of the photograph.

Lenses

Lenses should capture different focal lengths. They need to be flexible enough to capture a variety of detailed and wider shots of the resource.

• Wide angle: sharp and rectilinear — designed to avoid barrel distortion of straight lines in buildings and other structures.
• Normal focal length: close to what the eye perceives
• “Mildly” telephoto

When working with 4×5 cameras, one of the most common formats, NPS recommends 65mm, 90mm, 150mm and 210mm.

Filters

Choose filters that increase clarity and reduce atmospheric interference.

• Yellow filter
• Orange (G) filter
• Polarizing filter

Acceptable photographic film

• Large-format film with 4×5, 5×7 and 8×10 negatives
• Polyester-based film
• Medium and slow speed (400 and 100 ISO/ASA)

Acceptable film (other)

• Continuous tone copies: orthochromatic copy film specifically intended for this purpose
• Line drawings: scan and reproduce on vellum. Non-public domain images must obtain a copyright release form.
• Aerial photographs: 4×5 cut film or 5-inch-wide aerial roll film. NPS recommends:
  • 400 ASA/ISO film
  • The highest available shutter speed
  • Yellow and orange (G) filters to reduce atmospheric haze

Avoid

• Digital photography.
• 35mm or medium-format film.
• Acetate (old “safety film”) film base

Accepted negative labels

• If using ink, choose black ink specifically intended for marking polyester film that is rated as
  • permanent
  • indelible
  • waterproof
• If using a pencil, choose Soft (#1) to avoid cracking the emulsion or embossing the film.

Accepted sleeves

Sizes

• NPS only accepts two sleeve sizes. Both 4×5 and 5×7 materials should be placed in the smaller of these two sizes.
  • 5 3/8″ x 7 3/8″
  • 10 1/2″ x 8 1/2″

Paper type

• Lignin free paper.
• Same pH levels as archival paper (7.5-10).
• NPS prefers no thumb cut but will accept it as long as it does not expose the negative.
• Smooth, flat seams
• Adhesive must close the seams within 1/8″ of the edge.

Sleeve labels

• If using pencils, choose #2 hardness. Do not use this hardness on negatives.
• If mechanically printing labels on negative sleeves instead of hand-lettering, only use either
  • Impact printing (ex: typewriter)
  • Xerographically printed (traditional photocopier, not a multifunction copier)

Avoid

• Adhesive labels on any materials.
• Laser printing on any materials. This includes modern multifunction copiers, which are scanners and laser printers in one device.
• Ballpoint ink on any materials.
• Plastics on any components unless following specific instructions.
• Clips, rubber bands, staples or other fasteners.
• Hard pencils on film.
• Pens with hard tips, like ballpoint/rollerball style pens, on film.
• Leaving materials exposed to sunlight or bright lamps.
• Mylar, Glassine or plastic negative sleeves.
• Negative sleeves that
  • Do not fully cover the negative.
  • Expose seam adhesive past the edges or inside the sleeve.
  • Have puckered or wrinkled seams.
• Puckered or wrinkled seams.