analogfilm

Analog film is a category of photographic and cinematographic film stock in which images are recorded on a transparent plastic base coated with light-sensitive emulsion. Exposed to light inside a camera, the emulsion stores a latent image that is revealed through chemical processing to produce a visible photograph or film frame. The format has been largely supplanted by digital capture in many applications, but remains in use for artistic and professional reasons.

Common still-photography formats include 35mm, 120/medium format, and large-format sheets such as 4x5 and 8x10. Cinema uses 35mm and larger gauges such as 65/70mm, 16mm, and occasionally 8mm. Film stocks come in black-and-white, color negative, and color reversal (slide) varieties. Color negative is typically developed with C-41 chemistry; color reversal with E-6; black-and-white with developers such as D-76 or Xtol.

Exposure develops into metallic silver or dye images depending on stock; development time and temperature influence contrast, grain, and latitude. Analog film is reputed for a particular grain structure, tonal response, and dynamic range, which many practitioners find appealing for its aesthetic and archival qualities.

The workflow often includes scanning or printing from negatives to produce digital copies or prints; laboratories provide development and digitization services. Production of film stock has been concentrated in a few companies (Kodak, Fujifilm, Ilford) and has faced consolidation, though hobbyists and some professionals continue to shoot with film as a niche market, with renewed interest in recent years.

Preservation notes: proper storage away from heat and light extends life; older cellulose triacetate bases are prone to deterioration (vinegar syndrome); modern polyester bases are more stable but all film should be protected from humidity and chemical contamination.