Start Guide

Getting Started

Filmbase helps you track your film inventory, log your shoots, record purchases, and manage your gear. The navigation sidebar on the left provides access to all major sections:

• Dashboard: Overview of your film statistics
• Inventory: Manage and track your film inventory
• Purchases: Track your film purchases
• Film Log: Record film usage details
• Settings: Configure your account, cameras, lenses, and integrations
• Tools: Access to the Field Recorder and EXIF Editor

Initial Setup

Follow these steps to properly set up your Filmbase account:

1. Account Setup

When you first access Filmbase, you'll start with these basic steps:

• Confirm your account details in Settings > General
• Update your display name if needed
• Add a profile photo (optional)

2. Gear Configuration

Before logging your film use, configure your equipment:

1. Go to Settings > Gear
2. Add your cameras:
   • Enter each camera's make and model (e.g., "Leica M6")
   • Click the plus icon to add it to your list
3. Add your lenses:
   • Enter each lens with make and specifications (e.g., "Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH")
   • Click the plus icon to add it to your list

3. Initial Inventory

Now it's time to add your existing film:

1. Go to Inventory
2. Click Add Film
3. For each film type you own:
   • Enter a name, brand, stock type, and quantity
   • Select the appropriate format (35mm, 120, Instant)
   • Choose the development process
   • Set expiration dates if known
   • Click "Add Film" to save

4. Record Previous Purchases (Optional)

For complete financial tracking:

1. Navigate to Purchases
2. Click Add Purchase
3. Enter details for recent film purchases
4. Set the correct purchase dates

Key Features to Explore

After completing the initial setup, familiarize yourself with these core areas:

Dashboard

The Dashboard provides an overview of:

• Available and consumed film rolls
• Total spending on film
• Upcoming expiration dates
• Most-used film stocks
• Shooting frequency statistics
• Film loaded in your cameras

Check your Dashboard regularly to monitor your film photography activity at a glance.

Film Log

The Film Log is where you'll track each roll you shoot:

1. Click Add Entry to create a new log
2. Name your roll (typically by location or subject)
3. Select the camera and film stock
4. Set the start date
5. Save the entry

Later, you'll update the entry when the roll is finished, developed, and scanned.

Tools

Explore these advanced features:

• Field Recorder: Available to PRO users, document frame-by-frame exposure details
• EXIF Editor: embed exposure metadata into your digital scans
  • Free tier users can edit 5 images per week, are limited to camera make and model.
  • PRO users can edit unlimited images, and can embed Field Recorder data from the tool automatically.

First Workflow Example

Once you've added initial stock to your inventory, you can start logging your film usage. Here's a simple workflow to get started:

1. Add a new purchase:

   • Go to Purchases > Add Purchase
   • Enter the details of a recent film purchase
   • Save the purchase

2. Create a film log entry:

   • Go to Film Log > Add Entry
   • Select the film from your inventory
   • Choose which camera you're using
   • Name the roll and set the start date
   • Save the entry

3. Check your dashboard:

   • See your updated inventory count
   • View your film usage statistics

Getting Help

If you need assistance:

• Look for the "PRO TIP" hints throughout Filmbase
• Check the complete documentation for detailed guides
• Connect your Discord account in Settings > Integrations to join the community
• Reach out to us! We're here to help: support@filmbaseapp.com

Next Steps

After getting familiar with the basics:

1. Establish a consistent workflow for logging your film
2. PRO Users: Start using Field Recorder for detailed exposure tracking
3. Explore the EXIF Editor to enhance your digital scans
4. Check the Dashboard regularly for insights into your shooting habits
5. Review the Common Workflows guide for usage tips