Valokuvafilmit

Valokuvafilmit, often referred to as photographic film, are a crucial component in traditional photography. They consist of a transparent plastic base, typically made of cellulose triacetate or polyester, coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. This emulsion contains microscopic silver halide crystals suspended in gelatin. When light strikes these crystals during exposure, it triggers a chemical reaction, forming a latent image.

The type of film determines its sensitivity to light, measured by its ISO speed. Higher ISO films are more sensitive and suitable for low-light conditions but can produce more noticeable grain. Lower ISO films require more light but yield finer detail and smoother tones. Films also come in different formats, such as 35mm, 120, and large format sheets, each offering varying levels of image quality and convenience.

After exposure, the film undergoes a development process. This chemical treatment converts the latent image into a visible, permanent image. Color films involve a more complex process to render different colors accurately, while black and white films produce monochrome images. Once developed, the film is usually fixed to make it insensitive to further light exposure and then washed and dried. The developed film, either as negatives or slides, can then be used to create prints or be projected. Despite the rise of digital photography, film continues to be appreciated by many photographers for its unique aesthetic qualities and the tangible nature of the medium.