How Does 35mm Film Work?
The 35mm film format was initially introduced to combine the use of smaller, more portable cameras and inexpensive movie film. Now, 35mm is the most widely used photographic film format available. The standard frame size for this format is 24-by-36mm, twice the size of movie images. The film has perforated sprocket holes on both sides that advance the film through a 35mm camera. When 35mm film was originally used by photographers, they would salvage ends and cut off pieces from motion picture stock. This film would have to be loaded in the dark. Modern 35mm film, on the other hand, comes on cassettes and can even be loaded into a camera during daylight hours. These rolls of film were originally called "daylight loaders".
When light strikes the 35mm film, an exposure happens to the negative. This is usually termed principal photography in a production schedule. The more light that strikes the film, the more densities form on the silver halide ribbon. When shooting motion pictures, the frame rate is analogous to the length of time light is allowed to affect the negative. When syncing sound at 24 frames per second, the exposure time is 1/48th of a second. Another factor affecting how 35mm film works is the film sensitivity or exposure index. The silver halide grains on the film can vary in terms of size and sensitivity to light. The faster the film, the larger and more sensitive the silver halide grains can be. This means it takes less light to make an exposure on the film. The size of the aperture and the intensity of the light can also affect the quality of an image captured during principal photography.
After principal photography, 35mm film is processed at a film laboratory. The laboratory processes the film, makes duplicate copies, and can provide special services for filmmakers. The film can arrives via courier and has all of the film's pertinent information on the cover. This cover sheet tells the film lab what type of film was used, specific instructions on processing, and most importantly the name and contact information of the production company. The film itself undergoes a process which amplifies the image exposed on the negative. An accelerant is used to bring out the hidden image on the negative by converting the silver halide to a metallic silver image. Then, a stop bath is used to suspend the development process. This is usually an acid solution. To prevent fading and staining, the film is subjected to another wash, removing the fixer and soluble complexes on the emulsion. The developed 35mm film is then hung out to dry.
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