Photographic printing
Encyclopedia : P : PH : PHO : Photographic printing
- :This article focuses on optical/chemical printing. For non-optical digital printing, see Digital printing.
The process consists of three major steps, performed in a photographic darkroom or within an automated photo printing machine:
- Exposure of the image onto the sensitized paper using a contact printer or enlarger
- Processing of the latent image through a multistep chemical immersion process.
- # Development of the exposed image.
- # Optionally Stopping development by neutralizing, diluting or removing developing agent.
- # Fixing the final print by dissolving remaining unexposed/undeveloped light-sensitive emulsion.
- # Washing thoroughly to remove chemicals used in processing, protecting the finished print from fading and decay.
- Optional Toning of the print through additional chemical processes.
- Texturing and drying of the final print.
Standard print sizes
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) |
See also
- List of photographic processes
- Film developing
- Gelatin-silver process
- Enlarger
- Contact print
- Photographic print toning
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