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Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My Images Upside Down
Why are my images upside down?
The orientation of the images on processed negatives depends upon the way the film is positioned in the camera when the pictures are taken. Traditionally the vast majority of cameras have been designed so that the film magazine is loaded into a chamber on the left side and the film's leader is drawn across the back to a take-up spindle on the right. Film manufacturers use this orientation as the standard and place their edgeprinting (frame numbers, codes, etc) on the film so that the images will be right-side up in relation to that edgeprinting.
In recent years, however, a few cameras have been designed with the film chamber on the right side and the take-up spindle on the left. Often such designs are the result of the consumers' preference for smaller cameras. As manufacturers place the same number of parts inside a smaller case, it is sometimes necessary to move things around so that the internal space is used most efficiently.
Whether the images are right-side up or upside-down in relation to the film's edgeprinting should not be a concern for the majority of picture-takers. The exceptions would be if you use the services of a photofinisher who returns your prints mounted in some type of small photo album or if you are using slide film. To prevent having your pictures returned to you mounted upside-down in those cases, it is recommended that you advise your photofinisher of your camera's orientation when you request processing services.