Photographic film

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Undeveloped 35 mm film

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Photographic Film 135

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Photographic film is a strip or sheet of transparent plastic film base coated on one side with a gelatin emulsion containing microscopically small light-sensitive silver halide crystals. The sizes and other characteristics of the crystals determine the sensitivity, contrast, and resolution of the film. The emulsion will gradually darken if left exposed to light, but the image produced by exposure to a pattern of light must be stabilized by a process called film development. Following development, the silver halides are converted to metallic silver, which blocks light and creates an image. This photographic process is utilized in both black-and-white and color film.

History

The invention of photographic film is attributed to George Eastman, who started commercial production in 1885. Eastman's work followed initial experiments by others, including the use of paper film by Henry Fox Talbot. Eastman's first film was a paper-based roll film, which he later replaced with a film made from a transparent, flexible plastic material, nitrocellulose, known as celluloid. This innovation made possible the development of the first motion picture cameras by Thomas Edison and the Lumière brothers, among others.

Types of Photographic Film

Photographic film comes in various types, each suited for specific applications. The main types include:

• Black-and-White Film: This film records images in shades of gray, offering high resolution and fine grain.
• Color Negative Film: Widely used in still photography, this film produces a negative image that requires inversion and color correction to produce a positive image.
• Color Reversal Film (Slide Film): This film produces a positive image directly, suitable for viewing or projection.
• Instant Film: Developed by Polaroid Corporation, this film includes chemicals needed for developing and fixing the image, which emerges minutes after taking the picture.

Film Speed

The sensitivity of photographic film to light is described by its ISO speed. Higher ISO numbers indicate greater sensitivity and the ability to photograph in lower light, but usually at the expense of increased grain or noise in the images.

Formats

Photographic film is produced in several formats, including:

• 35mm Film: The most popular format, used in both professional and consumer cameras.
• Medium Format Film: Larger than 35mm, offering higher resolution and detail, commonly used in professional photography.
• Large Format Film: Significantly larger than medium format, used for high-resolution landscape, architectural, and fine art photography.

Development and Printing

After exposure, film must be developed to produce a visible image. Black-and-white film development involves several steps, including developing, stopping, fixing, and washing. Color film requires more complex processing to develop the different layers of color. Once developed, negatives can be enlarged and printed on photographic paper.

Digital Photography and Film

The advent of digital photography has significantly reduced the use of photographic film. However, film photography remains popular among enthusiasts and professionals who appreciate its aesthetic qualities, including its grain, resolution, and the physical process of shooting and developing film.

Conclusion

Photographic film has played a crucial role in the development of photography, cinema, and the visual arts. Despite the dominance of digital technology, film continues to be valued for its unique aesthetic, archival properties, and the tactile experience it offers photographers.

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