Photographic Processing
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Photographic processing From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Photographic processing is the chemical means by which photographic film and paper is treated after photographic exposure to produce a negative or positive image. Photographic processing transforms the latent image into a visible image, makes this permanent and renders it insensitive to light. All processes based upon the gelatin-silver process are similar, regardless of the film or paper's manufacturer. Exceptional variations include instant films such as Polaroid and thermally developed films. Kodachrome required Kodak's proprietary K-14 process. Kodachrome film production ceased in 2009, and K-14 processing is no longer available as of December 30, 2010. Ilfochrome materials use the dye destruction process. Common processes All film and paper is treated in a series of chemical baths, which are closely monitored and maintained at a specific temperature and treatment time. Developer baths are most sensitive to deviations from the standard time and temperature of treatment; other baths are less sensitive. Black and white negative processing 1. The film may be soaked in water to swell the gelatin layer. 2. The developer converts the latent image to metallic silver. 3. A stop bath,† typically a dilute solution of acetic acid or citric acid, halts the action of the developer. A rinse with clean water may be substituted. 4. The fixer makes the image permanent and light-resistant by dissolving any remaining silver halide salts. Fixer is sometimes called hypo, a deprecated term originating from casually shortened form of the alchemist's name hyposulphite. 5. Washing in clean water removes any remaining fixer. Residual fixer can corrode the silver image, leading to discolouration, staining and fading.[ The washing time can be reduced and the fixer more completely removed if a hypo clearing agent is used after the fixer. 1. Film may be rinsed in a dilute solution of a wetting agent to assist uniform drying, which eliminates drying marks caused by hard water. (In very hard water areas, a pre-rinse in distilled water may be required - otherwise the final rinse wetting agent can cause residual ionic calcium on the film to drop out of solution, causing spotting on the negative.) 2. Film is then dried in a dust-free environment, cut and placed into protective sleeves. Once the film is processed, it is then referred to as a negative. The negative may now be printed; the negative is placed in an enlarger and projected onto a sheet of photographic paper. There are many different techniques that can be used during the enlargement process. Two examples of enlargement techniques are dodging and burning. Assignment Directions: Open both the Chapter 6 and 7 Worksheet links and print yourself a new copy to fill out, or you can use the worksheet passed out in class. Read the general overview on the previous page after reading Chapters 6 and 7 in your text book, and answer the questions on the worksheet as completely and as best as you can. All answers can be found in the above information as well as the text. If you have any questions…feel free to email me at [email protected] .