A national standard step tablet or a step wedge calibration film, traceable to a national standard step tablet and having at least 5 steps with neutral densities from at least 1.0 through 4.0, shall be used. The step wedge calibration film shall have been verified within the last year by comparison with a national standard step tablet unless, prior to first use, it was maintained in the original lighttight and waterproof sealed package as supplied by the manufacturer. Step wedge calibration films may be used without verification for one year upon opening, provided it is within the manufacturer’s stated shelf life.