Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
  • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
  • G03C5/00—Photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents
  • G03C5/08—Photoprinting; Processes and means for preventing photoprinting

Definitions

• This invention relates to a process of making photographic pictures and to the product resulting from the process. More particularly it relates to the process of producing good quality photographic prints upon so-called "instant" print film from positive image transparencies.
• “Instant” print film is a term commonly used to represent those photographic materials in which a liquid reagent is releasable to permeate a photosensitive layer having formed therein, a latent image; in which the reagent develops the latent image and gives, as a reaction product, an image-forming component; in which the image-forming component is translated relative to the material of the developed latent image to form in another layer of material an image which is positive of the subject matter to which the film was exposed in producing the latent image; in which the positive image-forming component is reacted in its relatively translated position to give a dye or pigment for forming the positive image; in which the transfer image is formed in positive print material separate from the photosensitive layer and in which all the materials involved in the formation of the latent image, and the positive print thereof, are included.
• Photographers and film processors will often vary the process variables to achieve certain, specific results of special kinds of color reproduction, high or low contrasts, colors which are rich or pastel and colors which vary over a large or short tonal scale.
• the photographer has other known photograpic objectives such as clarity.
• the best quality is produced by sharp focus which relies upon lens quality from the camera equipment, and from resolution of the photographic films which are used in the photographic process.
• the subjects of obtaining sharply focused images through the use of lenses and the subject of film resolutions are well known and well covered in the literature and understood by those skilled in the photographic arts. Therefore, they need not be dealt with in any depth in this disclosure.
• color positive film and color negative film are well known terms in the art and those skilled in the art will understand these terms as they are used herein.
• Color transparency films are developed in many well known processes and the manufacturers prescribe normal processing techniques for the development of these films.
• Color transparency films usually have finer grain and therefore are capable of producing images with better resolution and sharper enlargements which is the ultimate medium of the professional photographer and the serious amateur.
• instant films provide a completely integrated process in which the latent image is created, developed and printed from materials which are provided in a package.
• the image of the object is focuses on the film and the latent image is created by camera exposure.
• the film is developed insitu and presented in a matter of minutes, fully developed and ready for viewing and use.
• O PI instant film is made to receive a positive image, and transparency film produces a positive image, the two may be used together as a complete photographic process.
• this combination has not received attention because the high contrast and narrow tonal range of positive transparency film is not suitably matched to the higher contrast and narrower tonal range of instant films which are readily available.
• An object of this invention is to make it convenient and possible to photograph using color transparencies with instant print films as a substitute for color print paper, which allows one to make color prints in a very short time.
• this process there is no need to use messy developing tubes or trays nor to spend time and care with measuring and mixing chemicals in the process. Also, there is no need for running water.
• this invention comprises the process of over-exposing color positive transparency film in a camera while focused upon an object to produce a latent image of the object upon the film and then developing the latent image upon the film by emersion in appropriate film development materials sequentially, with the emersion time in the first material substantially reduced from normal to produce a low contrast actual image on the film; and thereafter, projecting and exposing the actual image on the transparency film onto an instant print film; and then developing the instant print film according to the prescribed procedure.
• Figure 1 is a diagram of the process of this invention.
• Figure 2 is an elevational view of a typical enlarger and print making arrangement for a photographic process.
• the first step I-A is the exposure of color positive transparency film in a camera which has the usual features and apparatus for control over the exposure process.
• the initial exposure of the transparency film must be controlled to produce a transparency having lower contrast and broader tonal scale. This is accomplished by over-exposing the film during the exposure process.
• One way this can be accomplished is by considering the film as having about one-sixteenth or six percent of its normally prescribed ASA rating. For example, transparency films with slow or medium ASA ratings of perhaps 64-200 should be exposed at about six percent of their normal effective ASA rating.
• those cameras which have a provision for setting the ASA rating of the film can be set to show an ASA rating one-sixteenth or six percent of the prescribed rating. This will normally result in the aperture being opened three or four F stops beyond normal for the light available at the time of exposure of the film in the camera.
• Higher speed transparency films, such as ASA 400, should be exposed at about one-eighth or twelve percent of their normal prescribed effective ASA
• the film is developed in a process in which the development time that the film spends in the first developer chemical is decreased.
• the exposed film is processed by successive sequential immersions in many chemical solutions.
• the first chemical solution is the first developer which develops the latent image. This developed image determines the contrast, density, tonal range and color of the fully processed color transparency.
• CHART X a general description is disclosed of the E-6 process developed and marketed by the Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York. It should be noted that this invention requires no understanding of the E-6 process, except that the first developer time needs to be decreased. CHART X
• Normal room lights may be used after one minute in reversal bath
• Conditioner 2 92-102 Prepares film for bleach
• Bleach 6 92-102 Converts metallic silver grains into silver halides for removal by fixer
• Fixer 4 92-102 Makes image permanent
• the E-6 process is by far the most widely used process for developing color transparencies, and it represents the state-of-the-a t for both amateur and professional photographers alike. Because of the complexity and need for quality control of photographic film development processes, processing is done mostly by professional photographic laboratories that offer those services most often demanded by the serious amateur and professional photographers. It should be noted that the E-6 process is not the only process that develops color transparencies. Other processes are available and are very similar, so that methods disclosed in this invention will apply to other processes since all color transparency processes have the same type of first developer.
• the time in the first developer is reduced by fifty percent. Again, with this film, only the time in the first developer is changed and reduced from that prescribed by the manufacturer and all their steps are carried out as the manufacturer recommends. Accordingly, using the E-6 process the time in the first developer for slower and medium rated films (64-200) is about 2.4 minutes. The time for fast films, 400 ASA and higher, is about 3 minutes. in the manufacture of photographic materials and equipment the manufacturer cannot define exact usage. Recommended normal usage is based upon averages and the manufacturer can only recommend effective film speeds and developing times. This is because the manufacturer of films cannot control irregularities in individual lens, shutters, light meters, and developers which can and do deviate from considered averages.
• This invention is based upon a total re-evaluation of what an exposed and developed color transparency should look like. This new and different color transparency will have the characteristics which will make it ideal for printing onto instant print film. This printing technique
• O PI i/ ⁇ / y, 1PO differs so radically from given norms, that it becomes a new, separate technique. It should be noted that the data given in this disclosure are effective film speeds, effective developing time and effective developing temperatures, which are based on averages. Exact usage will have to be determined with individual equipment like any other photographic material or process.
• Steps I-A and I-B of the process of this invention any color transparency film that responds well to over-exposure and under-development can be used. Films that are developed in the E-4 - E-6 color process will give excellent results. A very good film would be, for instance, Ektachro e 200, with an effective ASA rating of 200. This is manufactured by the Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York.
• the transparencies When exposure and development have been carried out according to the process of this invention, the transparencies will be very low in contrast and appear to be slightly less dense and over-exposed in relationship to what is usually considered normal for a transparency. This transparency will have very little shadow density and colors will appear to be flat or pastel looking. It is important that the transparencies have a short range of densities and be low in contrast.
• Step II-C making prints from instant film materials is the same as printing on any other direct positive print material; i.e., the exposure and manipulative steps are the same.
• a commercially available enlarger, having color printing filters, is used.
• Proper exposure of the instant print film is important and should be carried out as the manufacturer recommends. Instructions about proper exposure by the manufacturer will always be directed to exposure in a camera and not an enlarger. Since both the camera and enlarger have the same exposure controls (F-stops and duration of time) applying these same instructions to an enlarger will achieve a proper enlarger exposure.
• photographic print making apparatus having an enlarger 11, supported by an arm 12, which is sli ⁇ ingly engaged on a stanchion 13 that is connected from a base 14.
• the enlarger 11 comprises a lamphouse 15, with a high intensity electric lightbulb (not shown), a filter tray 16, negative carrier 20, bellows 17, and a lens 18.
• Steps II-C and II-D a positive transparency that has been exposed and developed in accordance of Steps I-A and I-B of this invention is places in the negative carrier.
• the image on the transparency is focused by means of lens 18 upon the instant print film in the easel 19. when the focus is correct and the size of the image has been determined by the adjustment of support arm 12 on stanchion 13, the film is exposed by the lamp in the lamphouse 15.
• Polycolor ER variety are designed, packaged and sold for use in film packs or film holders which adapt for use in specific cameras.
• the film When this film is used to make prints from transparencies, the film must also be used in its companion film pack or film holder. This is because after exposure, the film must run through its specially provided equipment which contains rollers or other devices that cause the developing materials to be released onto the film.
• the film When using instant print film supplied in a film pack, the film is exposed in the film pack. In total darkness, the loaded film pack becomes an easel and after exposure the film pack is inserted into its specially provided equipment for processing, which is generally a camera.
• Steps II-C and II-D of the process of this invention the tonal quality of the instant film must be taken into consideration. Unless the instant print film is at a proper temperature to develop the tonal quality and color saturation to a maximum, the print quality of a print made by the process of the invention
• SOREAi OMPI_ ⁇ S will not be optimal, very good, or sufficient to meet the objectives of this invention.
• the tonal quality and color saturation obtainable in Steps II-C and II-D with instant print films will be at its optimum degree when the instant print film is maintained at an optimum temperature during exposure and processing. While optimum levels will depend to some degree upon equipment used (lens, camera, film, enlarging equipment) and the specific uses of final prints and the photographers personal concept of print quality, most optimum levels of tonal quality and color saturation have been found between above 90 and 100 degrees F. at the time of exposure and processing from a color positive transparency in an enlarger. However, it has been found that very good final prints can be obtained if the temperature of the instant print film is controlled through a minimum which depends upon the characteristics of the instant print film being used.
• Steps II of this invention can be carried out with film that is at ambient room temperature; i.e., about 70-75 degrees F., and very good results can be obtained.
• Steps II of this invention it is better to maintain the film at an elevated temperature of between about 90 degrees F. and 120 degrees F.
• Step II-C the instant print film is developed in Step II-D in accordance with the prescribed procedures that are made available with the particular film in use.
• the film that is being used is part of a film pack, after exposure the film pack is re-inserted into its specially provided equipment where the required steps are carried out that actuate and release the developer materials upon the film.
• the edges of the film have tabs which are used to draw the films through rollers which crush pods or capsules of development materials and spread them across the film to develop the print.
• the mechanical steps and the chemistry of development of instant print films is not a part of this invention. Complete understanding is either not required to practice this invention or is sufficiently described by the manufacturers of these films that this invention can be practiced by those skilled or even only semiskilled in photographic technology.
• Step II-D the development of the instant print fi,lm should take place at or about the same temperature at which the film is exposed in Step II-C.
• the temperature of the development will normally be correct and sufficiently controlled if the film is at the correct temperature at the time of exposure in Step II-C, and if the development process is carried out immediately following the exposure step described above.
• EXAMPLE ONE An Ektachrpme 200 color positive transparency film (manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York) having an ASA rating of 200 was focused on a man (head and shoulders portrait) in daylight. A picture was exposed on the film at F-8 at a 30th of a second. This was equivalent to an ASA rating of 12 for normal exposure.
• the transparency film was developed in a conventional E-6 process except that the film was emersed in the first developer solution about 2 1/2 minutes which is about 60 % ⁇ less than normal. A low contrast flat, pastel actual image appeared on the film which was processed and fixed in the usual procedure and solutions.
• the transparency film was exposed to a "Polacolor 2" (manufactured by Polaroid Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts) instant print film with a conventional color enlarger.
• the instant film had been preheated for about one hour to a temperature of about 100 degrees F.
• the film was exposed for 4 seconds.
• the instant print film was developed by passing it through the rollers provided for its film package and allowing the positive and negative sheets to remain in contact for about 60 seconds. At the end of 60 seconds, the sheets were separated.
• a photographic print was made as described in Example One except that the instant print film was exposed and developed at a.temperature of about 90 degrees F. The resulting final print was very good.
• EXAMPLE THREE A photographic print was made as described in Example One except that the instant print film was exposed and developed at a temperature of about 120 degrees F. The resulting final print was very good.
• the transparency film was developed in a conventional E-6 process except that the film was emersed in the first developer solution about 2 1/2 minutes which is about 6C% less than normal. A low contrast flat, pastel actual image appeared on the film which was processed and fixed in the usual procedure and solutions. After drying, the transparency film was exposed to a
• the instant print film was developed by passing it through the rollers provided with its film package and allowing the positive and negative sheets to remain in contact for about 60 seconds. At the end of 60 seconds the sheets were separated.
• the resulting final print was of greater color saturation than the transparency and a very good color print generally comparable in quality to that of any other process.
• EXAMPLE SIX A photographic print was made as described in Example Five except that the instant print film was exposed and developed at a temperature of about 90 degrees F. The resulting final print was very good.
• EXAMPLE SEVEN A photographic print was made as described in Example Five except that the instant print was exposed at a temperature of 120 degrees F. The resulting final print was very good.
• a photographic print was made as described in Example Five except that the instant print film was exposed and developed at a temperature of about 65 degrees F. The resulting print was not good quality because the color saturation was not as great.
• EXAMPLE NINE A high speed Ektachrome 400 color positive transparency film (manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York) having an effective ASA rating of 400 was exposed in a camera while focused on a man (head and shoulders portrait) in daylight. A picture was exposed on the film at F-8 at 125th. This was equivalent to an effective ASA rating of 50 for normally prescribed exposure.
• the transparency film was developed in a conventional E-6 process except that the film was emersed in the first developer solution about 3 minutes which is 50% of normal.
• the instant print film was developed by passing it through the rollers provided with its film package and allowing the positive and negative sheets to remain in contact for about 60 seconds. At the end of 60 seconds, the print was separated.
• the transparency film was exposed to a "Polacolor ER" instant print film in a conventional enlarger.
• the instant film had been maintained for about 1 hour at a temperature of about 75 degrees F.
• the film was exposed for 4 seconds.
• the instant film was developed by passing it through rollers provided with its film package and allowing the positive and negative sheets to remain in contact for about 60 seconds. At the end of 60 seconds, the print was separated.
• the resulting print was of greater color saturation than the transparency, and a very good final print.
• ASA 12 is 6 % of 200. Therefore, ASA 200 requires 1/16 less light than ASA 12 or ASA 12 requires 800% more light than ASA 200.
• Instant print films are capable of some development temperature latitude with variation in development time. For instance, the normal recommended development time is 60 seconds at the preferred development temperature of about 75 degrees F. However, if the development time is extended up to 90 seconds, development of good color
• OMM saturation can be obtained at lower development temperatures such as 65 degrees or 55 degrees F.
• extending the development time increases the contrast and this is undesirable in the achievement of excellent quality or very good quality final prints.
• Step II-C and Step II-D become simply precautions that the temperature of the instant print film does not fall below normal ambient operating temperatures by some untoward event.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Cameras Adapted For Combination With Other Photographic Or Optical Apparatuses (AREA)
• Silver Salt Photography Or Processing Solution Therefor (AREA)

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• 1983
  • 1983-10-27 WO PCT/US1983/001708 patent/WO1985002029A1/en unknown
  • 1983-10-27 EP EP19830903853 patent/EP0159982A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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