ISO 12222:2017

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12222
Fourth edition
2017-11
Cinematography — Manufacturer-
printed, latent image identification
on 16 mm, 35 mm and 65 mm motion-
picture film — Specifications and
dimensions
Cinématographie — Identification d'image latente, imprimée par le
fabricant, sur films cinématographiques 16 mm, 35 mm et 65 mm —
Spécifications et dimensions
Reference number
ISO 12222:2017(E)
©
ISO 2017

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2017, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. +41 22 749 01 11
Fax +41 22 749 09 47
copyright@iso.org
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General format . 2
5 Human-readable key numbers . 3
5.1 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 16 mm, 35 mm and
65 mm film. 3
5.1.1 General. 3
5.1.2 Alphabetic characters . 3
5.1.3 Numerical characters . 7
5.2 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 16 mm film only . 7
5.2.1 Dimensions . 7
5.2.2 Reference mark . 7
5.2.3 Alignment with respect to perforations . 8
5.2.4 Frame identification . . 8
5.2.5 Repeat frequency . 8
5.2.6 Orientation . 8
5.3 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 35 mm film only . 9
5.3.1 Dimensions . 9
5.3.2 Reference mark . 9
5.3.3 Alignment with respect to perforations . 9
5.3.4 Frame identification . .10
5.3.5 Repeat frequency .10
5.3.6 Orientation .10
5.3.7 Mid-foot key number . .11
5.4 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 65 mm film only .11
5.4.1 Dimensions .11
5.4.2 Reference mark .12
5.4.3 Alignment with respect to perforations .12
5.4.4 Frame identification . .12
5.4.5 Repeat frequency .12
5.4.6 Orientation .13
5.4.7 Mid-foot key number, format A .13
5.4.8 Mid-foot key number, format B .14
6 Machine-readable key numbers .14
6.1 Machine-readable key number specifications applicable to 16 mm, 35 mm and 65
mm film .14
6.1.1 General.14
6.1.2 Repeat frequency .14
6.1.3 Format .14
6.2 Machine-readable key number specifications applicable to 16 mm film only .15
6.3 Machine-readable key number specifications applicable to 35 mm film only .15
6.4 Machine-readable key number specifications applicable to 65 mm film only .16
7 Optional manufacturer information (applicable to 16 mm, 35 mm and 65 mm film) .17
7.1 Recommended minimum information .17
7.1.1 Manufacturer's name .17
7.1.2 Film type .17
7.2 Optional information .18
7.3 Repeat distance .18
8 Optional density measurement patch .18
8.1 General .18
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

8.2 Shape and size .18
8.3 Colour and density .18
8.4 Repeat frequency .18
9 Bar code scanner and density specifications .19
9.1 Scanner spectral sensitivity .19
9.2 Quality of machine-readable messages .19
9.2.1 Measurement methodology .19
9.2.2 Modulation specification .19
9.3 Density of printed machine-readable messages .19
10 Colour of edge print information .20
iv © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

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.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 36, Cinematography.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12222:1998), subclauses 3.1, Clause 4,
5.1.1, 5.4.5, 5.4.6, 5.4.7, 6.1.3.3 b), 6.1.3.3 d), 6.4.7, 6.4.8 and 7.3, Figures 3, 6 and 8, and Tables 1, 4 and 5
of which have been technically revised. Subclause 5.4.8 was added.
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved v

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12222:2017(E)
Cinematography — Manufacturer-printed, latent image
identification on 16 mm, 35 mm and 65 mm motion-
picture film — Specifications and dimensions
1 Scope
1.1 This document specifies the position and dimensions of machine-readable identification numbers
on 16 mm, 35 mm and 65 mm motion-picture film. These numbers are intended to be a machine-readable
version of the latent image key number. This document also specifies the encoding format to be used
for these machine-readable numbers, as well as the area scanned and the spectral characteristics of the
scanner.
1.2 This document also specifies the position, dimensions and content of human-readable
identification (key) numbers for use on 16 mm, 35 mm and 65 mm motion-picture films intended for
original photography or intermediate printing which also include the machine-readable key number
described in 1.1.
NOTE These numbers normally are exposed onto the film at the time of manufacture.
1.3 This document further specifies an area that may be used for optional manufacturer-specific film-
type identification information.
1.4 This document also specifies an area on the film which is not to be exposed by the film manufacturer,
thus leaving it available for customer data recording.
1.5 Finally, this document specifies an optional frame line index mark for 35 mm and 65 mm film.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 69, Cinematography — 16 mm motion-picture and magnetic film — Cutting and perforating dimensions
ISO 491, Cinematography — 35 mm motion-picture film and magnetic film — Cutting and perforating
dimensions
ISO 3023, Cinematography — 65 mm and 70 mm unexposed motion-picture film — Cutting and perforating
dimensions
ANSI/AIM BC4-1995, Uniform Symbology Specification — Code 128
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

3.1
key number
edge number
footage number
identification number that is printed with ink or exposed onto the film at the time of manufacture
Note 1 to entry: The numbers are placed at regular intervals, typically every 20 perforations for 16 mm film,
64 perforations for 35 mm film and 120 perforations for 65 mm film. For the purposes of this document, the key
numbers are latent-image exposed.
3.2
bar edge
〈bar code〉 that point where the transmittance is halfway between the maximum transmittance of the
adjacent space and the minimum transmittance of the adjacent bar
3.3
scan transmittance profile
〈bar code〉 record of the transmittance measured as a function of distance along the entire bar code
symbol
3.4
symbol contrast
SC
〈bar code〉 difference between the largest transmittance (T ) and smallest transmittance (T ) in a
max min
scan transmittance profile
3.5
minimum edge contrast
EC
min
〈bar code〉 minimum difference between a space transmittance (T ) and the adjoining bar
s
transmittance (T )
b
3.6
modulation
MOD
〈bar code〉 ratio of minimum edge contrast (EC ) to symbol contrast (SC)
min
4 General format
The general format of the latent-image identification information shall be as shown in Figure 1 for
16 mm film, Figure 2 for 35 mm film, and Figures 3 a) and 3 b) for 65 mm film.
No latent information shall be placed along the upper edge of the film, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
This area is reserved for data recording at the time of photography.
This identification information is intended to be exposed onto film cut and perforated in accordance
with ISO 69, ISO 491 or ISO 3023.
2 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

Figure 1 — General format on 16 mm film
5 Human-readable key numbers
5.1 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 16 mm, 35 mm and
65 mm film
5.1.1 General
An incrementing, human-readable key number shall be printed onto the film at the time of manufacture.
The film shall be supplied to the user with the lowest number at the outside of the roll unless the sales
format of the unit shown states differently. The human-readable key number shall consist of two
alphabetic characters and 10 numerical characters. For 16 mm film, this alphanumeric code shall be
separated into three groups of four characters, as shown in Figure 1. For 35 mm and 65 mm film, this
alphanumeric code shall be separated into groups of two alphabetic characters and two, four and four
digits, separated by spaces, as shown in Figures 2, 3 a) and 3 b).
5.1.2 Alphabetic characters
The first two alphabetic characters of the key number identify the manufacturer and film type. The
character set used shall be the normal upper-case letters A through Z.
— The first character shall identify the film manufacturer alphabetic code according to Table 1. Other
letters are reserved for future assignment by ISO/TC 36.
— The second character shall be a film-type identifier. The film type identifier will be used in one of
two ways per the manufacturer’s preference.
— The second character is used alone to identify film type.
— The second character is used in conjunction with the first character as a two-character film type
identifier.
— The second character is chosen at the discretion of the film manufacturer.
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

Table 1 — Manufacturer alphabetic codes
Manufacturer Code
AGFA-GEVAERT, N.V. A
EASTMAN KODAK CO. E, K, V
FUJIFILM CO. F
ILFORD LIMITED I
Other or nondesignated (as assigned or blank)
Figure 2 — General format on 35 mm film
4 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

a) General format on 65 mm film (format A)
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 5

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

b) Special format on 65 mm film (format B)
Figure 3 — Formats A and B on 65 mm film
6 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

5.1.3 Numerical characters
For the 10 numerical characters of the key number, only the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 shall be
used, and they shall be in normal counting sequence. It is recommended, although not required, that the
“ten thousands” place should not be allowed to increment within a single roll of film.
5.2 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 16 mm film only
5.2.1 Dimensions
The height and width of the human-readable key numbers shall be as specified in Figure 4 and Table 2.
Note that the height of the first character is less than that of the others to allow for the reference mark
specified in 5.2.2. The width of each human-readable character is left to the manufacturer's discretion,
but it should be wide enough for good legibility, while still maintaining dimension F. A character height-
to-width ratio of 14:10 and a space between characters of 2/14 of a character height is recommended.
5.2.2 Reference mark
A zero-frame reference mark shall be printed between the first human-readable key number and the
edge of the film, as shown in Figure 1. This may be above or below the character, depending upon which
of the possible orientations allowed in 5.2.6 is used. The zero-frame reference mark shall be a filled
circle with a diameter as given by dimension B of Table 2.
3
Figure 4 — Key number position and dimensions on 16 mm film
Table 2 — Key number dimensions on 16 mm film
Dimensions
Symbol in Fig-
Parameter mm in
ure 4
nom. tol. nom. tol.
A Edge of film to bottom of characters 0,292 ±0,076 0,011 5 ±0,003 0
A Edge of film to bottom of bars 0,10 ±0,08 0,004 ±0,003
1
B Height of characters 1,334 ±0,076 0,052 5 ±0,003 0
B Height of bars and manufacturer's 0,478 ±0,076 0,018 8 ±0,003 0
1
information
B Height of first character 0,84 min. to 0,99 max. 0,033 min. to 0,039 max.
2
B Height of zero-frame reference mark 0,46 min. to 0,61 max. 0,018 min. to 0,024 max.
3
C Scanning slit length 0,15 max. 0,006 max.
D Scanning slit width 0,13 max. 0,005 max.
E Edge of film to centreline of scanning slit 0,33 ±0,05 0,013 ±0,002
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 7

---------------------- Page: 12 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

Table 2 (continued)
Dimensions
Symbol in Fig-
Parameter mm in
ure 4
nom. tol. nom. tol.
F Key number to edge of perforation 0,76 min. 0,030 min.
G Bar code displacement 4,78 ±0,51 0,188 ±0,020
H Length of bar code 23,432 ±0,508 0,922 5 ±0,020 0
J Quiet zone (no-print area) 2,54 min. 0,100 min.
5.2.3 Alignment with respect to perforations
The numbers shall be printed so that each of the three groups of four characters is centred between
two perforations. To ensure visibility, the human-readable key numbers shall not be printed closer to
the perforation than the distance specified as dimension F in Figure 4 and Table 2.
5.2.4 Frame identification
Since the key number is longer than one frame, the following rule shall be applied to frame identification.
— The frame immediately above the zero-frame reference mark is the one referenced by that key
number. Other frames are specified by an offset which is written as (an) additional digit(s) separated
from the key number by a plus sign. Figure 5 shows an example of this rule.
Figure 5 — Alignment of zero-frame reference mark on 16 mm film
5.2.5 Repeat frequency
The spacing from one key number to the next shall be 20 perforations.
5.2.6 Orientation
The key number may be placed in one of two orientations at the discretion of the film manufacturer.
When the original negative film is held with the emulsion towards the viewer and the head towards the
right, the numbers may be in either of the following orientations:
— right side up, reading from tail to head;
— upside down, reading from tail to head.
In all cases, regardless of the orientation, the dot shall be above the trailing character (closest to the
tail), as shown in Figure 1. The human-readable key number shall precede the machine-readable key
number, i.e. the human-readable key number shall be closer to the head of the roll.
8 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 13 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

5.3 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 35 mm film only
5.3.1 Dimensions
The height and width of the human-readable key numbers shall be as specified in Figure 6 and Table 3.
5.3.2 Reference mark
A zero-frame reference mark shall be printed adjacent to the digit of the human-readable key number
that is closest to the tail of the film, as shown in Figure 2. The zero-frame reference mark shall be a
filled circle with a diameter of 0,64 mm to 0,76 mm (0,025 in to 0,030 in).
5.3.3 Alignment with respect to perforations
The numbers shall be printed so that the centreline of the zero-frame reference mark is aligned with
the centreline of a perforation, within the tolerance shown in Figure 6 and Table 3.
NOTE This drawing shows emulsion towards the viewer. Normal film travel is from left to right.
Figure 6 — Key number position and dimensions on 35 mm film
Table 3 — Key number dimensions on 35 mm film
Dimensions
Symbol in
Parameter mm in
Figure 6
nom. tol. nom. tol.
A Edge of film to bottom of characters 0,23 ±0,13 0,009 ±0,005
A′ Edge of film to bottom of bars 0,23 +0,13 0,009 +0,005
−0,23 −0,009
B Height of characters 1,52 ±0,10 0,060 ±0,004
B′ Height of bars 1,52 +0,25 0,060 +0,010
−0,10 −0,004
C Scanning slit length 0,97 max. 0,038 max.
D Scanning slit width 0,13 max. 0,005 max.
E Edge of film to centreline of scanning slit 0,89 ±0,05 0,035 ±0,002
F Zero-frame reference mark displacement 0,0 ±1,0 0,00 ±0,04
G Bar code displacement 0,0 ±1,0 0,00 ±0,04
© ISO 2017 – All rights reserved 9

---------------------- Page: 14 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

Table 3 (continued)
Dimensions
Symbol in
Parameter mm in
Figure 6
nom. tol. nom. tol.
H Character-to-character spacing 1,52 (nom.) 0,060 (nom.)
J Quiet zone (no-print area) 2,54 min. 0,100 min.
K Length of bar code 23,432 ±1,016 0,922 5 ±0,040 0
5.3.4 Frame identification
The alignment specified in 5.3.3 is intended to facilitate frame identification with a minimum of
confusion, even though the picture frame may have one of several positions relative to the key number.
The following rule shall be applied to frame identification.
— The frame immediately above the zero-frame reference mark is the one referenced by that key
number. Other frames are specified by an offset which is written as an additional digit(s) separated
from the key number by a plus sign. Figure 7 shows an example of this rule.
Figure 7 — Alignment of zero-frame reference mark on 35 mm film
5.3.5 Repeat frequency
The spacing from one key number to the next shall be 64 perforations.
5.3.6 Orientation
The number may be placed in one of several orientations at the discretion of the film manufacturer.
When the original negative film is held with the emulsion towards the viewer and the head towards the
right, the numbers may be in any one of the following orientations:
— right side up, reading from head to tail;
— upside down, reading from head to tail;
— right side up, reading from tail to head;
— upside down, reading from tail to head.
10 © ISO 2017 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 15 ----------------------
ISO 12222:2017(E)

In all cases, regardless of the orientation, the dot shall be to the left (closer to the tail) and adjacent to
the trailing (closest to the tail) character, as shown in Figure 2. The human-readable key number shall
precede the machine-readable key number, i.e. the human-readable key number shall be closer to the
head of the roll.
5.3.7 Mid-foot key number
A mid-foot key number, as shown in Figure 2, shall be placed halfway between each key number. The
mid-foot key number shall have two parts: a mid-foot human-readable key number and a mid-foot
machine-readable key number.
The mid-foot human-readable key number shall consist of a zero-frame reference mark, an adjacent key
number that shall be nearer the head end of the roll, and an offset in perforations which shall always
be 32. The mid-foot key number shall thus have the format “XA 12 3456 7890 + 32”. The mid-foot key
number shall have the same orientation as the standard human-readable key number (see 5.3.6). All
characters shall be small in size (approximately half-size).
5.4 Human-readable key number specifications applicable to 65 mm film only
5.4.1 Dimensions
The height and width of the human-readable key numbers shall be as specified in Figure 8 and Table 4.
Figure 8 — Key number position and dimensions on 65 mm film, format A and format B
Table 4 — Key number dimensions on 65 mm film, for
...