While EXIF data is now a standard feature on digital cameras, analog cameras were long limited to writing down the date manually or relying on a separate date imprinting function.
The date imprinting function was an innovation that allowed photographers to automatically imprint the date on the image. This function was usually associated with a clockwork mechanism in the camera. When the camera was released, the date was then exposed onto the film. This feature was especially useful for those photographers who wanted to archive their images or use them for reporting. In addition to the date, many models also allowed the time to be imprinted.
The date imprinting function was especially popular on compact cameras for casual users. Especially in the 1990s, many models were sold with this function.
Some camera manufacturers also offered special model variants with date imprinting function, often marked with the suffix “QD” (Quartz Date) or “Date”. These models usually had additional features such as an integrated flash or autofocus.
For SLR cameras, there was often an additional back with date imprinting that could be purchased separately. This date back then replaced the normal back.
Some professional cameras also had the option to imprint the date outside the image area on the film. This allowed the date to be avoided on the images, which was important for some photographers and photographers, especially when working in the professional field.
Most data backs / movements need an additional battery. Mostly they are battery types, which are also used for watches. They are usually a bit expensive, but also last for a long time. If you don’t want to use the function, you can simply do without the extra batteries.
One problem that arises with many models is the built-in calendar. Many models only go up to a certain year. For example, no year after 2000 can be selected. Of course, the use of this function no longer makes sense for these cameras.
Cameras with date imprint function
- Viewfinder camera
- 35mm
- Rangefinder camera
- 35mm
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
- Snapshot camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
- Single lens reflex camera
- 35mm
