Why the LEUCHTTURM1917 Softcover is My Go-To Film Photography Notebook
When it comes to staying organized with film photography, I’ve found that having a good notebook can make a huge difference. Over the years, I've tried out a bunch of different journals, but I keep coming back to the LEUCHTTURM1917 Softcover. For me, it just works. Whether I’m keeping track of technical details or just scribbling down thoughts on a shoot, this notebook has become a reliable companion. It’s the one I carry with me on most photography trips.
What Makes the LEUCHTTURM1917 Softcover Stand Out
There are a few reasons I keep using the LEUCHTTURM1917 Softcover for my photography projects. Here’s what I appreciate about it:
Portable and Durable When I’m out shooting, especially on location, I need something lightweight and easy to pack. The LEUCHTTURM1917 fits that bill perfectly. The soft cover is flexible but holds up well to being tossed in my camera bag, and it doesn’t bulk things up. It’s durable enough to survive a lot of wear and tear, which is important when I’m constantly on the move.
Paper That Holds Up I like using different pens to track film stocks, settings, and thoughts from each shoot, and the paper in this notebook handles ink really well. There’s no bleed-through, which is great because I tend to jot down notes fast, sometimes on both sides of the page. It’s smooth and works with whatever I have on hand, whether that’s a ballpoint pen or a felt-tip marker.
Organized with Numbered Pages and an Index This notebook has numbered pages, which makes it easier for me to go back and find details from a specific shoot without flipping through a bunch of pages. There’s even an index at the front, so I can quickly reference key shoots or notes. It helps me keep everything organized, especially when I’m working on bigger projects and need to reference older notes.
Extra Pocket for the Little Things Sometimes I collect random bits from my shoots—like a receipt from a film lab or something I picked up that reminds me of the day. There’s a pocket in the back that I use to store all those small things. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s nice to have a spot for those extra items I want to keep.
Different Page Options for Every Style One of the great things about the LEUCHTTURM1917 is that it comes with different page options, so you can choose what works best for your personal style. Whether you prefer the structure of a dot grid, the clean look of blank pages, or the practicality of ruled lines, there’s an option that fits your needs.
For me, it depends on the project. I sometimes use the dot grid for sketching out shot ideas or layouts—it offers just enough structure without feeling too rigid. Other times, I lean toward the blank pages when I want complete freedom to brainstorm without any boundaries, especially if I’m doodling or mind-mapping a new concept. And if I need to jot down more detailed notes or journal my thoughts on a shoot, the ruled pages keep everything neat and readable. No matter your style of working, having these different page options makes it easy to find a version that aligns with your process.
How I Use My LEUCHTTURM1917 for Film Photography
For me, this notebook is a mix of practical and personal. I use it to jot down technical details—like film stock, exposure settings, and lighting conditions—but I also write about how the shoot felt, what inspired me, and the stories I want the photos to tell. It’s not just about tracking data; it’s about capturing the experience behind each roll of film.
Writing things down by hand helps me process what I’m creating. It makes me slow down and really think about the work I’m doing. And later on, when I flip back through the pages, it gives me a deeper connection to the projects I’ve worked on.
Why It Works for Me (and Might Work for You)
If you’re looking for a notebook that can keep up with your film photography workflow, the LEUCHTTURM1917 Softcover has been solid for me. It’s durable, easy to carry, and flexible enough to handle both the technical and creative sides of photography. It’s become a small but important part of my process, and if you’re the kind of photographer who likes to jot things down or sketch out ideas, it could be worth checking out.
This isn’t a recommendation to go out and buy it just because I say so—it’s just what works for me. If you’re already into journaling or tracking your photography details, it might be a tool that adds a little more structure and creativity to your process.
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