Overview
ISO 1012:1998 - Photography - Films in sheets and rolls for general use - Dimensions is the third-edition International Standard that defines nominal sizes, aim dimensions and cutting tolerances for general-purpose photographic films in rolls and sheets. It also specifies perforating and selected core dimensions, winding and splicing rules, identification notches, package marking guidance, and measurement conditions. This standard applies to general photographic uses (portraits, school and wedding photography, catalogue work) and excludes films for specialised uses (radiography, graphic arts, aerial photography, micrography), which are covered by other ISO standards.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Film dimensions and tolerances
- Preferred roll widths: 35 mm, 46 mm and 70 mm with specified minimum/aim/maximum values.
- Preferred roll lengths: 30.5 m and 61 m (minimum guaranteed lengths given).
- Preferred and recognized sheet sizes, e.g. 9×12 cm, 13×18 cm, 18×24 cm, 24×30 cm, 30×40 cm, with aim dimensions and cutting tolerances defined in tables.
- Perforating and core dimensions
- Perforating dimensions for 35 mm and 70 mm roll films are specified (aim values and tolerances), and core diameters/lengths are standardized for common roll formats.
- Winding, splices and identification
- Film shall be wound sensitized side inwards (with allowances noted for traditional outward-wound rolls).
- Rolls should be a single unspliced length.
- Notches may be used to identify the sensitized side; maximum notch depth is specified.
- Measurement conditions & calibration
- Dimensional measurements apply at standard atmospheric conditions (23 ±2 °C, 50 ±5 % RH) and instrument calibration conditions are specified (20 °C).
- Package marking & labelling
- Minimum recommended package markings include product name/size, safelight and storage recommendations, batch/parent roll number, nominal dimensions (metric), expiration or “develop before” dates and other handling instructions.
- Dimensional stability & packaging
- Informative annexes cover expected moisture/temperature-related dimensional changes and recommended sheet-count unit packaging (e.g., 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 250).
Applications & who uses this standard
ISO 1012 is essential for:
- Photographic film manufacturers - to design and produce roll and sheet film to common dimensional specifications.
- Film converters and core suppliers - to match core and slit-width tolerances.
- Lab and camera equipment manufacturers - to ensure film carriers, magazines and perforating devices are compatible.
- Quality control and inspection teams - to verify cutting tolerances, squareness, edge straightness and package marking.
- Packaging designers and distributors - to implement required labelling and storage guidance.
- Professional photographers and archival labs benefit indirectly through consistent film interchangeability and clear product labelling.
Related standards
- ISO 1007 (related 135-size film specifications)
- ISO 1 (standard reference temperature for length measurements)
- ISO 554 (standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing)
- Other ISO photographic standards for radiography, graphic arts, aerial photography and micrography
Keywords: ISO 1012, photographic film, film dimensions, sheet film sizes, roll film widths, perforating dimensions, core dimensions, package marking, photography standard.
