Sometimes they made all sorts of instructions for the printer. Karsh used to soup his own negs, Then use all sorts of markers, and masks to convey to the printer to his vision. After that work could begin in the darkroom making a final print. Here is an interesting example of this in action. Portrait of Artur Rubinstein showing crop marks,
Also Some cameras had a little stylus that would let you make a mark on the film between shots thru a window,/slot, this would show up on the negs when developed. Vintage Kodak No. 1 Folding Pocket Camera had this feature. Here is a link showing the stylus used for marking between frames. It is always missing, rare to see one with it still there
I use a Rapidograph to write exposure and development information on the edge of every negative.
If I want the writing to appear as black on the print, which is extremely rare, I use a fine point stylus to scratch into the emulsion.
Thanks, Jim.
It seems to me that a marking of some kind is necessary on single-sheet negatives, especially if one shoots multiples of the same scene as back-up.
A 000 or 0000 rapidograph would do well, Avedon's looked more like quill because of the scritchiness. Rapidographs require "maintenance" while a quick rinse will take care of a "crow's quill".
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