Abstract: Apparatus and method for imparting a succession of predetermined machine readable latent images on a strip of unexposed light sensitive film having a series of frames, the succession of latent images being individually indicative each of the series of frames of the film. A light source is adapted to be controlled at a rate associated for a particular type of film, the light source produces imaging light to which the film is sensitive. A ferroelectric liquid crystal array receives the imaging light, the ferroelectric liquid crystal array having a plurality of segments, each of the plurality of segments being individually switchable between opaque and transparent, the plurality of segments being formed so that the ferroelectric liquid crystal array can produce all of the predetermined latent images. Focusing means for focuses the imaging light which has passed through the ferroelectric liquid crystal array onto the strip of light sensitive film.