Photographic printing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article focuses on optical/chemical printing. For non-optical digital printing, see Digital printing.

Photographic printing is the process of producing a final image for viewing, usually on sensitized paper from a previously prepared photographic negative.

The process consists of three major steps, performed in a photographic darkroom or within an automated photo printing machine:

  1. Exposure of the image onto the sensitized paper using a contact printer or enlarger
  2. Processing of the latent image through a multistep chemical immersion process.
    1. Development of the exposed image.
    2. Optionally Stopping development by neutralizing, diluting or removing developing agent.
    3. Fixing the final print by dissolving remaining unexposed/undeveloped light-sensitive emulsion.
    4. Washing thoroughly to remove chemicals used in processing, protecting the finished print from fading and decay.
  3. If made on glossy paper, ferrotyping to enhance the reflective gloss.
  4. Optional Toning of the print through additional chemical processes.
  5. Texturing and drying of the final print.

Standard photographic print sizes are often denoted with a code of the format nR, where the number n represents the length of the shorter edge in inches. In the normal series, the long edge is the length of the short edge plus 2 inches (10" or less) or 3 inches (11" and above). The alternative Super series, denoted SnR has an aspect ratio of 2:3 (or as close as possible) and thus provides a better fit for standard 135 film (35mm) at sizes of 8 inches or above.

Code Size (in.) Size (mm) Aspect ratio Note
3R 3½" × 5" 89 × 127 mm 7:10 (0.70)
4R 4" × 6" 102 × 152 mm 2:3 (0.67) Standard consumer print size
5R 5" × 7" 127 × 178 mm 5:7 (0.71)
6R 6" × 8" 152 × 203 mm 3:4 (0.75)
8R 8" × 10" 203 × 254 mm 4:5 (0.80) Most common print size for medium and large format
S8R 8" × 12" 203 × 305 mm 2:3 (0.67) Closest approximation to A4
10R 10" × 12" 254 × 305 mm 5:6 (0.83)
S10R 10" × 15" 254 × 381 mm 2:3 (0.67)
11R 11" × 14" 279 × 356 mm 11:14 (0.79)
S11R 11" × 17" 279 × 432 mm 11:17 (0.65)
12R 12" × 15" 305 × 381 mm 4:5 (0.80)
S12R 12" × 18" 305 × 465 mm 2:3 (0.67)

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