diff --git a/scam.py b/scam.py
index 7f8d9f5..f930fb3 100755
--- a/scam.py
+++ b/scam.py
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ class MainPanel(wx.Panel):
         cfg = pc.get_instance_config(instance)
         print(cfg)
 
-        self.camera = cfg["camera_name"]
+        self.camera = camera = cfg["camera_name"]
 
         self.orig_cfg = cfg
         name_mapping = None
@@ -122,6 +122,12 @@ class MainPanel(wx.Panel):
 
         self.entries.update(cfg, name_mapping)
 
+        # ensure background name is always set
+        bkg_setting = self.entries["image_background"]
+        if not bkg_setting.get_state():
+            latest_bkg = pc.get_latest_background(camera)
+            bkg_setting.set_value(latest_bkg)
+
         self.eb_bkg.Enable()
         self.btn_print.Enable()
         self.btn_save.Enable()