What film format are these late-1940s Kodak black-and-white negatives, and how can I scan them?
Asked 1/31/2021
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I found some very old black-and-white negatives, probably from the late 1940s. Each negative measures about 2 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches, and along the edge it says only “KODAK SAFETY FILM.” There are no film numbers printed that I can see.
Can anyone identify the film format from that size? I’m also trying to scan them with an Epson Perfection V730, but they are too large for the holder. Any advice would be appreciated.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
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"Kodak Safety Film" is a term that Kodak applied to all of their acetate based films for a period of time. The word "Safety" meant that the film was less prone to spontaneous combustion than its predecessor. (Nitrocellulose films) The term appeared on virtually all formats and types of Kodak films for a few decades.
Kodak, Fuji and Ilford and others used a Notch code system to identify their films of all kinds. A series of notches or shapes is printed into the edge of the film, usually with code number as well.
If you know the code number and the notch pattern then you know what film it is, the name of the film, Tri-X for example, may not have been printed, just the codes.
This web search contains many useful links to learn more.
Photos from Ansco Film Notching Identification Code (1948)
Photo from Yumpu.com 1-3. FILM IDENTIFICATION EDGE MARKINGS AND CODE NOTCHES
Originally by user50217. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user50217
5y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The size you gave—about 2 1/2 x 1 5/8 inches—matches the full-frame image size of 127 roll film, not 120. So the key identification is most likely the film format: 127.
“Kodak Safety Film” does not identify the exact film stock. Kodak used that wording on many acetate-based films for years; it mainly meant the film base was safer than older nitrate film. Without other edge markings, notch codes, or numbers, you usually can’t determine the precise emulsion type from that wording alone.
For scanning, the issue is likely the holder rather than the scanner itself. You may be able to scan the negatives directly on the flatbed without the standard holder, or have a photo lab scan them for you if that’s easier.
If you want to investigate further, check the film edges for any notch pattern or code marks, which were used to identify film types.
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