SIST ISO 897:2003

Photography -- Roll films, 126, 110 and 135-size films -- Identification of the image-bearing side

This International Standard specifies different means of identification of the image-bearing side of roll films and
126, 110 and 135-size films that carry edge markings.
This International Standard is not applicable to cinematographic films.

Photographie -- Films en bobines et films en formats 126, 110 et 135 -- Identification de la face portant l'image

Fotografija - Filmi v zvitkih v velikosti 126, 110 in 135 - Ugotavljanje slikovne (oslojene) strani filma

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2003
• ICS: 37.040.20 - Photographic paper, films and plates. Cartridges
• Technical Committee: GRT - Graphical technology
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Apr-2003
• Due Date: 01-Apr-2003
• Completion Date: 01-Apr-2003
• Ref Project: ISO 897:2000 - Photography - Roll films, 126, 110 and 135-size films - Identification of the image-bearing side

Relations

• Revised: ISO 897:1973 - Photography - Edge-marked roll film - Identification of the emulsion side
• Effective Date: 12-May-2008
• Revised: ISO 897:1988 - Photography - Roll films, 126, 110 and 135 size films - Identification of the image-bearing side
• Effective Date: 12-May-2008
• Revised: SIST ISO 897:1997 - Photography -- Roll films, 126, 110 and 135 size films -- Identification of the image-bearing side
• Effective Date: 12-May-2008

Overview

SIST ISO 897:2003 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on photography roll films and film sizes 126, 110, and 135. This standard specifies methods for correctly identifying the image-bearing side of these films, particularly those that carry edge markings, such as letters, numbers, words, or arrows. Importantly, SIST ISO 897:2003 excludes cinematographic films from its scope.

This third edition replaces the previous 1988 version and aims to standardize the orientation and positioning of identification marks to ensure consistent reading and correct film handling across photographic workflows.

Key Topics

• Image-bearing side identification: Specifies different means to identify the frame side that holds the photographic image on roll films and 126, 110, and 135-size films.
• Edge markings: Details how letters, words, frame numbers, and arrows etched or printed along the film edges indicate the image-bearing side.
• Orientation of marks:
  • Letters and numbers must appear in a readable orientation when viewed from the non-image side.
  • Frame numbering increases from left to right for roll, 126, and 135-size films.
  • Frame numbering increases from right to left for 110-size films, as per ISO 13450.
• Arrow direction:
  • For roll, 126, and 135-size films, arrows point counterclockwise relative to frame orientation.
  • For 110-size films, arrows point left when frame numbers are read normally.
• Exclusions: Cinematographic films are explicitly excluded from this standard.

Applications

SIST ISO 897:2003 is essential in the fields of:

• Film manufacturing: Ensuring films are correctly marked for downstream processing and usage.
• Photographic processing labs: Correctly interpreting film edge markings to properly handle film orientation during development and printing.
• Camera design and engineering: Aligning film advance mechanisms and frame numbering according to standardized orientations.
• Archiving and cataloging: Maintaining consistent reference to film side and frame orientations to aid identification and digital conversion.
• Quality control and compliance: Verifying films meet international standards for marking and orientation, reducing errors in photographic workflow.

By following SIST ISO 897:2003, stakeholders in the photographic industry can achieve greater consistency, reduce handling errors, and improve integration between film production, photography, and processing.

Related Standards

Professionals working with SIST ISO 897:2003 may also find the following ISO standards relevant:

• ISO 13450:1996 - Photography - 110-size cartridge, film and backing paper - Dimensions. (Normative reference for 110 film specifics)
• ISO 732:2000 - Photography - 120-size and 220-size films - Dimensions. (Additional film size specifications)
• ISO 1007:2000 - Photography - 135-size film and magazine - Specifications. (Detailed standards for 135-size films)
• ISO 3029:1995 - Photography - 126-size cartridges - Dimensions of cartridge, film and backing paper. (Cartridge dimensions complementing 126 film standards)

Summary

SIST ISO 897:2003 is a critical international standard for identifying the image-bearing side of roll films and cartridge-based films in sizes 126, 110, and 135. By standardizing edge markings, frame numbering, and arrow orientation, it supports seamless film handling, processing accuracy, and consistent photographic results. Adherence to this standard enhances workflow efficiency in photography, manufacturing, and archival processes, while providing clarity and uniformity for users worldwide.

Keywords: ISO 897, photography standard, roll film identification, 126 film, 110 film, 135 film, image-bearing side, film edge markings, frame numbering, photographic film standards, film orientation.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2003
Fotografija - Filmi v zvitkih v velikosti 126, 110 in 135 - Ugotavljanje slikovne
(oslojene) strani filma
Photography -- Roll films, 126, 110 and 135-size films -- Identification of the image-
bearing side
Photographie -- Films en bobines et films en formats 126, 110 et 135 -- Identification de
la face portant l'image
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 897:2000
ICS:
37.040.20 )RWRJUDIVNLSDSLUILOPLLQ Photographic paper, films
IRWRJUDIVNHSORãþH)LOPVNL and cartridges
]YLWNL
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 897
Third edition
2000-10-15
Photography — Roll films, 126, 110 and
135-size films — Identification of the
image-bearing side
Photographie — Films en bobines et films en formats 126, 110 et 135 —
Identification de la face portant l'image
Reference number
©
ISO 2000
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but shall not
be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In downloading this
file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat accepts no liability in this
area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation parameters
were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In the unlikely event
that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 � CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 897 was prepared by Technical Commit
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 897
Third edition
2000-10-15
Photography — Roll films, 126, 110 and
135-size films — Identification of the
image-bearing side
Photographie — Films en bobines et films en formats 126, 110 et 135 —
Identification de la face portant l'image
Reference number
©
ISO 2000
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but shall not
be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In downloading this
file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat accepts no liability in this
area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation parameters
were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In the unlikely event
that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO's member body
in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 � CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail [e-mail]
Web www.iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2000 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard ISO 897 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 897:1988), of which it constitutes a technical
revision.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 897:2000(E)
Photography — Roll films, 126, 110 and 135-size films —
Identification of the image-bearing side
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies different m
...