Defilming

Defilming is a process used in photography and filmmaking to remove or alter the emulsion from a piece of exposed film without chemically developing it. This is distinct from chemical development, which aims to fix the latent image and make it visible. Defilming typically involves physical or chemical methods to strip away the silver halide grains that constitute the image.

The primary purpose of defilming is often experimental or artistic, allowing creators to manipulate the inherent texture and physical properties of the film base itself. Some artists use defilming to create unique visual effects, sometimes referred to as "ghost images" or abstract patterns derived from the removed emulsion. The process can result in a transparent film base with a residual image or entirely cleared film, depending on the technique used.

Techniques for defilming can vary. Some involve harsh physical abrasion, like sanding or scraping the emulsion off. Others employ strong solvents or detergents that are not part of standard photographic development, designed to dissolve or lift the emulsion layer. These methods are generally considered destructive to the film's original image integrity and are not part of standard photographic workflows. The resulting material is often fragile and requires careful handling. It is a niche practice primarily explored by artists and experimental filmmakers seeking unconventional visual outputs.