notch

Definition: Cut into edge of film, rule, etc. to identify position, etc. * Used to enable large format film to be identified in the dark as to (a) film type (b) emulsion side. Feel in the dark and find me By convention, the emulsion side of large-format film lies under the thumb when the film is held near its edge in the right hand between thumb and second finger such that the notches lie under the first finger. This is fool-proof but you need to practise in the light to convince yourself it works every time. For left-handers, the emulsion side is obviously under the second finger, with the film held in the left hand and the notches falling under the fore-finger.

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