Ilfochrome

Ilfochrome, formerly known as Cibachrome, is a brand of color photographic paper that produces positive images directly from color transparencies. Developed by Ciba-Geigy, it was distinct from conventional color printing papers which required a negative. The Ilfochrome process utilized a dye-bleaching system, where dyes were incorporated into the emulsion layers of the paper. During development, unexposed silver halide was reduced, and the oxidized developing agent then bleached the incorporated dyes in proportion to the silver developed. This resulted in a direct positive print with exceptional color saturation and permanence.

The prints were known for their vibrant colors, sharp detail, and archival stability, making them popular among artists and photographers who valued high-quality, long-lasting images. The process was often favored for its ability to achieve brilliant reds, blues, and yellows that were difficult to replicate with negative-based papers. While the process was more complex and typically more expensive than conventional methods, the unique aesthetic and archival qualities of Ilfochrome prints cemented its reputation as a premium photographic material. The brand was eventually acquired by Ilford Photo, and production of Ilfochrome paper ceased in 2011, marking the end of an era for this distinctive photographic process.