sheet film
Quick Summary
Sheet film in photography refers to individual sheets of photographic film, typically in sizes ranging from 2.5 x 3.5 inches to 8 x 10 inches. These sheets are loaded into light-tight holders in a darkroom before being inserted into view and studio cameras for exposure.12
Each sheet of film is composed of several layers:
* A protective supercoat of gelatin.
* An emulsion layer containing silver halide suspended in gelatin.
* A substrate layer for adhesion.
* A film base, usually made of cellulose triacetate or polyester.
* A backing layer to prevent curling and reduce light reflection.2
Glass plates were once common but are now mainly used for applications requiring extreme emulsion flatness.2
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