Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did flexible film change the development of cameras during the 19th century?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Diagram showing the negative-positive photographic process: a scene is captured on film in a camera, developed into a negative, projected onto paper with an enlarger, and developed again to produce a positive print. — technology of photography Figure 1: Sequence of negative–positive process, from the photographing of the original scene to enlarged print (see text).

Flexible film revolutionized 19th-century camera design by replacing bulky, fragile glass plates with a lightweight, durable, and pliable medium. This transition was essential for the evolution of both still and motion-picture photography.12

For still photography, the introduction of roll film—initially paper-based and later transparent nitrocellulose—enabled the creation of simple, handheld devices like the Kodak camera. By allowing multiple exposures on a single roll, these cameras became portable and accessible to amateur photographers, moving away from the need for tripods and complex darkroom setups.324

In the development of motion-picture technology, flexible film was a critical breakthrough. While early experiments in series photography relied on glass plates or paper strips to capture short sequences, they were insufficient for recording longer events. The development of sturdy, flexible celluloid film allowed cameras to transport a rapid succession of numerous images, providing the necessary medium to store and project continuous movement. This innovation paved the way for the modern motion-picture industry by enabling the capture of thousands of frames in a single, manageable strip.15