Laboratory Tools and Techniques
Laboratory Aim Density (LAD)
In the Laboratory Aim Density (LAD) printing control method, a standard control patch specifies densities midway between the minimum and maximum of those typically obtained for a normal camera exposure.
These specific densities have suggested tolerances for each film type in the duplicating and print system, and are listed in this publication, along with helpful hints for their use and evaluation.
All color films in a production, regardless of film type or origin, are timed with respect to the LAD control film. Each frame of LAD control film, having the standard patch, with proven accurate exposures plus other information, is available from Eastman Kodak Company.
- Set Up an Electronic Color Analyzer and Printing Control (PDF)
- LAD for KODAK Color Negative Film (PDF)
- LAD for KODAK VISION Color Print Film (PDF)
- LAD for Master Positives (PDF)
Using EASTMAN Color Intermediate Film 5243 / 7243 - LAD for Duplicate Negatives (PDF)
Using EASTMAN Color Intermediate Film 5243 / 7243 - LAD for Master Positives (PDF)
Using KODAK VISION Color Intermediate Film 2242 / 3242 / 5242 / 7242
Using EASTMAN EXR Color Intermediate Film 2244 / 3244 / 5244 / 7244 - LAD for Duplicate Negatives (PDF)
Using KODAK VISION Color Intermediate Film 2242 / 3242 / 5242 / 7242
Using EASTMAN EXR Color Intermediate Film 2244 / 3244 / 5244 / 7244
Digital LAD
The KODAK Digital LAD Test Image is a digital image that can be used as an aid in setting up digital film recorders to produce properly exposed digital negatives and in obtaining pleasing prints from those negatives.
The User's Guide provides instructions for using the test image in day-to-day recording activities as well as general guidelines on calibration of a laser film recorder.
User's Guide and Digital Recorder Calibration and Aims (PDF)
The KODAK Digital LAD Test Image is a digital image that can be used as an aid in setting up digital film recorders to produce properly exposed digital negatives and in obtaining pleasing prints from those negatives.
Cineon File Format Description (PDF)
November 30, 1990 - 4.5 DRAFT - Image File Format Proposal for Digital Pictures
- KODAK Digital LAD Test Image DPX Format (ZIP File)
- KODAK Digital LAD Test Image Cineon Format (ZIP File)
Scanning Recommendations
Cross-Modulation Distortion Testing
The cross-modulation test serves recording engineers very much as the light meter serves photographers. That is, it helps them determine the proper light exposure to be used when producing a photographic image. The photographer judges the quality of the photograph by viewing it. Similarly, the sound engineer can judge the quality of the sound recording by listening to it.