ortokromatik

Ortokromatik refers to a type of photographic film or sensor that is sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light, but to varying degrees. This means that while it can capture colors, its spectral response is not uniform across the entire spectrum. Specifically, orthochromatic film is most sensitive to blue and green light, and less sensitive to red light. This characteristic was significant in early photography because it allowed for more natural-looking reproductions of tonal values compared to earlier panchromatic films, which were highly sensitive to blue light but often rendered red objects as very dark or black.

The development of orthochromatic film marked an improvement in color rendering. For instance, red flowers might appear darker in an orthochromatic photograph than they would to the human eye, while blue skies would be rendered with good tonal detail. This selective sensitivity influenced how photographers composed their shots and understood the way their film would interpret the world. While orthochromatic film was widely used for many years, it was eventually superseded by panchromatic film, which is sensitive to all visible wavelengths of light more evenly, offering a more complete and accurate color reproduction. Today, orthochromatic film is largely a historical photographic material.