ISO 12612:2016

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12612
Second edition
2016-03-15
Cinematography — Interchange of
post-production sprocket-based
materials
Cinématographie — Échange de matériaux post-production dentés
Reference number
ISO 12612:2016(E)
©
ISO 2016

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ISO 12612:2016(E)

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© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
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ISO 12612:2016(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Requirements for post-production picture elements . 2
3.1 Cutting and perforating dimensions . 2
3.2 Position and dimensions of picture areas. 2
3.3 Splices . 2
3.4 Requirements for photographic characteristics . 2
3.4.1 Densitometry . 3
3.4.2 Density of the original camera negative LAD test image (LAD control patch) . 3
3.4.3 Density of the LAD test image in master positive . 3
3.4.4 Density of the LAD test image in duplicate negative . 3
3.4.5 Density of the LAD test image in projection print. 3
3.5 Leaders for picture materials . 3
4 Requirements for post-production sound elements . 4
4.1 Cutting and perforating dimensions . 4
4.2 Position, dimensions and track assignments . 4
4.3 Nominal velocity . 4
4.4 Recordings . 4
4.5 Sound records to be interchanged for making monophonic release prints (see A.3) . 4
4.6 Components of sound records to be interchanged for making 35 mm stereophonic
release prints (see also A.3). 5
4.6.1 Stereophonic matrix encoded components . 5
4.6.2 Stereophonic discrete components . 5
4.7 Sound records to be interchanged for making 70 mm release prints (see also A.3) . 6
4.8 Requirements for sound record characteristics . 6
4.9 Leaders for sound materials. 7
5 Packing and marking . 7
Annex A (informative) Additional information . 9
Bibliography .10
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ISO 12612:2016(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 meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information.
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 36, Cinematography.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 12612:1997), of which it constitutes a
minor revision.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12612:2016(E)
Cinematography — Interchange of post-production
sprocket-based materials
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies certain parameters and technical characteristics of post-
production motion-picture materials used in the international exchange of 35 mm and 70 mm picture
and sound elements.
This International Standard further specifies a method for the evaluation of picture-image quality
based on a standardized test image contained in the post-production picture elements.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5-2, Photography and graphic technology — Density measurements — Part 2: Geometric conditions for
transmittance density
ISO 5-3, Photography and graphic technology — Density measurements — Part 3: Spectral conditions
ISO 162, Cinematography — Head gaps and sound records for three-, four-, or six-track magnetic sound
records on 35 mm and single-track on 17,5 mm motion-picture film containing no picture — Positions and
width dimensions
ISO 491, Cinematography — 35 mm motion-picture film and magnetic film — Cutting and perforating
dimensions
ISO 1039, Cinematography — Cores for motion-picture and magnetic film rolls — Dimensions
ISO 2467, Cinematography — Image area produced by 65 mm/5 perforation motion-picture camera
aperture and maximum projectable image area on 70 mm/5 perforation motion-picture prints — Positions
and dimensions
ISO 2906, Cinematography — Image area produced by camera aperture on 35 mm motion-picture film —
Position and dimensions
ISO 2907, Cinematography — Maximum projectable image area on 35 mm motion-picture film — Position
and dimensions
ISO 2910, Cinematography — Screen luminance and chrominance for the projection of motion pictures
ISO 3023, Cinematography — 65 mm and 70 mm unexposed motion-picture film — Cutting and perforating
dimensions
ISO 4241, Cinematography — Projection leader (time-based), trailer and cue marks — Specifications
ISO 4834, Cinematography — Magnetic sound test films excluding striped release prints — Basic technical
characteristics
ISO 5758, Cinematography — Labelling of containers for motion-picture film and magnetic material —
Minimum information for exchange of materials
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ISO 12612:2016(E)

ISO 6038, Cinematography — Splices for use on 70 mm, 65 mm, 35 mm and 16 mm motion-picture films —
Dimensions and locations
ISO 9525, Cinematography — Recording head gaps for two sound records on 17,5 mm magnetic film —
Positions and width dimensions
3 Requirements for post-production picture elements
3.1 Cutting and perforating dimensions
Cutting and perforating dimensions for photographic films shall be in accordance with ISO 491 and
ISO 3023.
3.1.1 For 35 mm original negatives, master positives and duplicate negatives: ISO 491 (preferred Type
N perforation and 4,74 mm perforation pitch).
3.1.2 For 35 mm projection prints: ISO 491 (Type P perforation and 4,75 mm perforation pitch).
3.1.3 For 65 mm original negatives, master positives and duplicate negatives and for 70 mm projection
prints: ISO 3023.
3.2 Position and dimensions of picture areas
Position and dimensions of picture areas shall be in accordance with ISO 2906, ISO 2907, and ISO 2467.
3.2.1 For 35 mm: ISO 2906 and ISO 2907.
3.2.2 For 65 mm and 70 mm: ISO 2467.
3.3 Splices
Splices shall be in accordance with ISO 6038.
3.4 Requirements for photographic characteristics
The photographic characteristics of post-production picture materials to be interchanged shall be
evaluated using densitometric measurements of a test image which is spliced into the original picture
rolls and reproduced through the successive stages of duplication.
The control method is based upon the Laboratory Aim Density system (LAD system) (see A.1 for a
reference concerning the implementation of this system), which assigns specific density values to a
control patch in a test image which is spliced into the original camera film, and is then read at each
stage throughout the sequence to the projection print. All scenes within the motion picture are graded
(timed) relative to the test image which is considered as a “perfect” scene.
Density aim values are chosen so that the print-through equivalent neutral densities on each film in the
post production sequence fall approximately at the mid-point of the straight line portion of that film’s
characteristic curves.
This achieves the following two objectives:
a) most significant picture information is placed on the linear portion of the duplicating film’s
characteristic curve, carrying a maximum of highlight and shadow information;
b) a neutral grey scale is maintained throughout the post-production, aiding, in colour grading
(timing).
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ISO 12612:2016(E)

A suitable LAD control image begins as a camera image incorporating a uniform neutral patch of
sufficient size for convenient densitometric measurements. This patch may be positioned within a scene
suitable for subjective evaluation. An 18 % reflectance grey card under scene illumination is usually
appropriate. This LAD control image is spliced into the roll of original negative as specified in 3.5.3.
Ultimately, picture quality will be reviewed subjectively, but within the tolerances of normal film,
printer and process variability, and the characteristics of specific duplicating film systems, objective
measurements of the LAD system assist in readily obtaining consistent duplicates with good tone and
colour reproduction characteristics.
3.4.1 Densitometry
The densities of all picture materials intended for reproduction shall be measured using ISO standard
diffuse status M transmission densitometry (according to ISO 5-2 and ISO 5-3). Densities of picture
materials intended for viewing by projection shall be measured using ISO standard diffuse status A
transmission densitometry.
3.4.2 Density of the original camera negative LAD test image (LAD control patch)
The densities of the LAD control patch (see A.2) shall be chosen to be representative of the centre of
scene density range normally obtained on a modern (colour-masked) colour negative film with normal
exposure and processing.
3.4.3 Density of the LAD test image in master positive
The LAD control patch should be printed to the centre of the usable straight-line portion of the
duplicating film. These aim densities are specified by the film manufacturer for the particular
duplicating stock.
3.4.4 Density of the LAD test image in duplicate neg
...