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Chemistry

The camera obscura, an ancient device that captures light through a lens or pinhole and projects it onto a surface, tantalized artists, scientists and inventors with the dream of capturing its fleeting images. Eventually, scientists discovered that certain chemicals react to light with visible and persistent changes. Inventors developed devices and techniques for capturing images using silver halide and other photosensitive chemicals. Photography revolutionized the magic lantern show, made stereoviews practical and movies possible.

The use of photochemistry is not limited to storing images: optical soundtracks store sound on movie film and phototypesetting discs store fonts as photographic negatives, for example. Photochemical systems are also used in photolithography, photo-etching and other industrial processes.

Thermal printing and write-once optical discs also depend on chemical reactions. When certain dyes are heated, they become opaque, which can be used to print labels or to put marks on an optical disc.

Photochemical Processes

Photographs store information as photochemical changes that alter the reflectance or transmittance of an emulsion layered on a substrate like celluloid, glass or paper. The chemicals used for photography are, in most cases, silver halides in the form of microscopic crystals suspended in a gel. Silver halide crystals become opaque metallic silver in proportion to the amount of light falling on them. The initial exposure creates a latent image, which becomes visible with the application of additional chemicals during developing. The result is a negative, from which a separate positive print is generated in a second photochemical process. Reversal film is a variation often used for slides in which developing the film exposed in the camera creates a positive on the same strip of film.

Black & White

The first photographic processes were black and white. Daguerreotype, introduced by Louis Daguerre in 1839, produced high-resolution images, with the commercial disadvantage that making duplicates required taking the photograph from life again (not unlike the situation with early cylinder records). In 1841 Willam Henry Fox Talbot introduced the calotype process, in which positive images could be repeatedly printed from negatives, an approach that established the modern photographic process. The use of glass plates coated with silver-bromide in albumen, collodion and finally gelatin increased the sensitivity of photography until by the 1880s exposures of a fraction of a second were possible.

  • Talbotype

    1840–c. 1860
    Salt print from paper negative

    Talbotype

    1840–c. 1860
    Salt print from paper negative

    Talbotype

    1840–c. 1860
    Salt print from paper negative

    Talbotype

    1840–c. 1860
    Salt print from paper negative

    Talbotype

    1840–c. 1860
    Salt print from paper negative
  • Daguerreotype

    c. 1841–c. 1860
    Image on silver-plated copper plate

    Daguerreotype

    c. 1841–c. 1860
    Image on silver-plated copper plate

    Daguerreotype

    c. 1841–c. 1860
    Image on silver-plated copper plate

    Daguerreotype

    c. 1841–c. 1860
    Image on silver-plated copper plate

    Daguerreotype

    c. 1841–c. 1860
    Image on silver-plated copper plate
  • Ambrotype

    early 1850s–mid-1860s
    Wet collodion negative on glass against black background

    Ambrotype

    early 1850s–mid-1860s
    Wet collodion negative on glass against black background

    Ambrotype

    early 1850s–mid-1860s
    Wet collodion negative on glass against black background

    Ambrotype

    early 1850s–mid-1860s
    Wet collodion negative on glass against black background

    Ambrotype

    early 1850s–mid-1860s
    Wet collodion negative on glass against black background
  • Tintype

    1850s–c. 1950
    Wet collodion on black-enameled iron plate

    Tintype

    1850s–c. 1950
    Wet collodion on black-enameled iron plate

    Tintype

    1850s–c. 1950
    Wet collodion on black-enameled iron plate

    Tintype

    1850s–c. 1950
    Wet collodion on black-enameled iron plate

    Tintype

    1850s–c. 1950
    Wet collodion on black-enameled iron plate
  • Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    Printed on glass from wet collodion negative

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    Printed on glass from wet collodion negative

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    Printed on glass from wet collodion negative

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    Printed on glass from wet collodion negative

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    Printed on glass from wet collodion negative
  • Albumen Print

    1850s–late 1800s
    Wet-plate collodion negative printed on albumen and silver nitrate-coated paper

    Albumen Print

    1850s–late 1800s
    Wet-plate collodion negative printed on albumen and silver nitrate-coated paper

    Albumen Print

    1850s–late 1800s
    Wet-plate collodion negative printed on albumen and silver nitrate-coated paper

    Albumen Print

    1850s–late 1800s
    Wet-plate collodion negative printed on albumen and silver nitrate-coated paper

    Albumen Print

    1850s–late 1800s
    Wet-plate collodion negative printed on albumen and silver nitrate-coated paper
  • Cyanotype

    1871–c. .1900
    Contact-printed image in Prussian Blue

    Cyanotype

    1871–c. .1900
    Contact-printed image in Prussian Blue

    Cyanotype

    1871–c. .1900
    Contact-printed image in Prussian Blue

    Cyanotype

    1871–c. .1900
    Contact-printed image in Prussian Blue

    Cyanotype

    1871–c. .1900
    Contact-printed image in Prussian Blue
  • Imperial Rotograph

    c. 1880–present
    Printed on silver bromide paper

    Imperial Rotograph

    c. 1880–present
    Printed on silver bromide paper

    Imperial Rotograph

    c. 1880–present
    Printed on silver bromide paper

    Imperial Rotograph

    c. 1880–present
    Printed on silver bromide paper

    Imperial Rotograph

    c. 1880–present
    Printed on silver bromide paper
  • Edison Kinetoscope

    1889–present
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Edison Kinetoscope

    1889–present
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Edison Kinetoscope

    1889–present
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Edison Kinetoscope

    1889–present
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Edison Kinetoscope

    1889–present
    35 mm celluloid roll film
  • Le Cinématographe Lumière

    1895
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Le Cinématographe Lumière

    1895
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Le Cinématographe Lumière

    1895
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Le Cinématographe Lumière

    1895
    35 mm celluloid roll film

    Le Cinématographe Lumière

    1895
    35 mm celluloid roll film

Color Separations

A black and white photograph captures light across the entire visible spectrum but reduces it to a single variable, intensity, rather than the mix of wavelengths that we sense as color. Capturing that mix occupied scientist and inventors for decades after the invention of photography.

A solution began to emerge with the trichromatic theory proposed by Thomas Young in 1802 and proven experimentally by Hermann von Helmholtz in 1850. The Young-Helmholtz theory asserted that the retina has three types of receptors sensitive to ranges of the visible spectrum centered on red, green and blue. In 1861, James Clerk Maxwell demonstrated the theory using color separations: separate black and white photographs taken through red, green and blue filters. The separation images were then combined in an additive color process by superimposing them using three projectors provided with red, green and blue filters. In the later Ives Krömsköp device, separations could be viewed without the projectors. The images could also be combined in a subtractive color process by creating a gel relief from the three images, dyeing the gels greenish-blue, pink and yellow, then layering them on a glass substrate (see Sanger-Shepherd and Lumiere Trichrome below).

  • Ducos du Hauron Melanochromoscope

    c. 1869–1900

    Ducos du Hauron Melanochromoscope

    c. 1869–1900

    Ducos du Hauron Melanochromoscope

    c. 1869–1900

    Ducos du Hauron Melanochromoscope

    c. 1869–1900

    Ducos du Hauron Melanochromoscope

    c. 1869–1900
  • Ives Junior Kromskop

    1895–1907

    Ives Junior Kromskop

    1895–1907

    Ives Junior Kromskop

    1895–1907

    Ives Junior Kromskop

    1895–1907

    Ives Junior Kromskop

    1895–1907
  • Ives Lantern Kromskop

    1892–c. 1900

    Ives Lantern Kromskop

    1892–c. 1900

    Ives Lantern Kromskop

    1892–c. 1900

    Ives Lantern Kromskop

    1892–c. 1900

    Ives Lantern Kromskop

    1892–c. 1900
  • Miethe

    c. 1903–1920

    Miethe

    c. 1903–1920

    Miethe

    c. 1903–1920

    Miethe

    c. 1903–1920

    Miethe

    c. 1903–1920
  • Wetthauer

    c. 1916
    Prototype

    Wetthauer

    c. 1916
    Prototype

    Wetthauer

    c. 1916
    Prototype

    Wetthauer

    c. 1916
    Prototype

    Wetthauer

    c. 1916
    Prototype
  • Chronochrome Gaumont

    1918
    3 images projected simultaneously through color filters.

    Chronochrome Gaumont

    1918
    3 images projected simultaneously through color filters.

    Chronochrome Gaumont

    1918
    3 images projected simultaneously through color filters.

    Chronochrome Gaumont

    1918
    3 images projected simultaneously through color filters.

    Chronochrome Gaumont

    1918
    3 images projected simultaneously through color filters.
  • Herault Trichrome

    1926
    3 color frames projected sequentially to fuse in the viewer's mind.

    Herault Trichrome

    1926
    3 color frames projected sequentially to fuse in the viewer's mind.

    Herault Trichrome

    1926
    3 color frames projected sequentially to fuse in the viewer's mind.

    Herault Trichrome

    1926
    3 color frames projected sequentially to fuse in the viewer's mind.

    Herault Trichrome

    1926
    3 color frames projected sequentially to fuse in the viewer's mind.
  • Rouxcolor

    1947–c. 1949
    Four 16 mm frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Rouxcolor

    1947–c. 1949
    Four 16 mm frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Rouxcolor

    1947–c. 1949
    Four 16 mm frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Rouxcolor

    1947–c. 1949
    Four 16 mm frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Rouxcolor

    1947–c. 1949
    Four 16 mm frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

Additive Screen Color

Commercialization of color photography required something simpler than special viewers, multiple projectors or complex layering procedures. Screen processes, an alternative first suggested by Ducos du Hauron in 1868, are additive color processes that intermingle the three separation images in a single image that can be viewed directly. The photograph is taken through a screen consisting of tiny red, green and blue filters distributed in a grid or random pattern. The resulting underlying image is actually black and white, but color emerges when viewed through an identical screen. Just as with a pointillist painting or computer monitor, the tiny regions of pure color are fused by the brain.

  • Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Starch grains dyed red, green and blue and fixed to a glass plate as filters for capturing and viewing the image.

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Starch grains dyed red, green and blue and fixed to a glass plate as filters for capturing and viewing the image.

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Starch grains dyed red, green and blue and fixed to a glass plate as filters for capturing and viewing the image.

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Starch grains dyed red, green and blue and fixed to a glass plate as filters for capturing and viewing the image.

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Starch grains dyed red, green and blue and fixed to a glass plate as filters for capturing and viewing the image.
  • Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Autochrome magic lantern slide

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Autochrome magic lantern slide

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Autochrome magic lantern slide

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Autochrome magic lantern slide

    Autochrome

    1907–mid-1930s
    Autochrome magic lantern slide
  • Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Used a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Used a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Used a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Used a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Used a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.
  • Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Used a screen with a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Used a screen with a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Used a screen with a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Used a screen with a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Used a screen with a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue.
  • Agfacolor Screen Plate

    1916–1920s
    Similar to autochrome, but using dyed gum droplets

    Agfacolor Screen Plate

    1916–1920s
    Similar to autochrome, but using dyed gum droplets

    Agfacolor Screen Plate

    1916–1920s
    Similar to autochrome, but using dyed gum droplets

    Agfacolor Screen Plate

    1916–1920s
    Similar to autochrome, but using dyed gum droplets

    Agfacolor Screen Plate

    1916–1920s
    Similar to autochrome, but using dyed gum droplets
  • Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Used a screen of red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Used a screen of red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Used a screen of red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Used a screen of red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Used a screen of red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.
  • Keller-Dorian

    c. 1925
    Filmed through a 3-color filter onto film embossed with tiny cylindrical lenses.

    Keller-Dorian

    c. 1925
    Filmed through a 3-color filter onto film embossed with tiny cylindrical lenses.

    Keller-Dorian

    c. 1925
    Filmed through a 3-color filter onto film embossed with tiny cylindrical lenses.

    Keller-Dorian

    c. 1925
    Filmed through a 3-color filter onto film embossed with tiny cylindrical lenses.

    Keller-Dorian

    c. 1925
    Filmed through a 3-color filter onto film embossed with tiny cylindrical lenses.
  • Kodacolor

    1928–1935
    Based on the Keller-Dorian process.

    Kodacolor

    1928–1935
    Based on the Keller-Dorian process.

    Kodacolor

    1928–1935
    Based on the Keller-Dorian process.

    Kodacolor

    1928–1935
    Based on the Keller-Dorian process.

    Kodacolor

    1928–1935
    Based on the Keller-Dorian process.
  • Filmcolor

    1931–1953
    The Lumiere autochrome process on celluloid sheets.

    Filmcolor

    1931–1953
    The Lumiere autochrome process on celluloid sheets.

    Filmcolor

    1931–1953
    The Lumiere autochrome process on celluloid sheets.

    Filmcolor

    1931–1953
    The Lumiere autochrome process on celluloid sheets.

    Filmcolor

    1931–1953
    The Lumiere autochrome process on celluloid sheets.
  • Lumicolor

    1934–1955
    The autochrome process on roll film.

    Lumicolor

    1934–1955
    The autochrome process on roll film.

    Lumicolor

    1934–1955
    The autochrome process on roll film.

    Lumicolor

    1934–1955
    The autochrome process on roll film.

    Lumicolor

    1934–1955
    The autochrome process on roll film.
  • Thomson Color

    1947–1949
    A lenticular process using tiny "beads" embosed on the film.

    Thomson Color

    1947–1949
    A lenticular process using tiny "beads" embosed on the film.

    Thomson Color

    1947–1949
    A lenticular process using tiny "beads" embosed on the film.

    Thomson Color

    1947–1949
    A lenticular process using tiny "beads" embosed on the film.

    Thomson Color

    1947–1949
    A lenticular process using tiny "beads" embosed on the film.

Subtractive Color

Subtractive color processes merge color separations into a single image by superimposing them physically. With Kodachrome and most subsequent color processes, the film consists of three layers on a single base, an arrangement known as integral tripack. The top layer is sensitive to blue, the next to green and the last to red. During development the layers are dyed complimentary colors through the action of dye couplers: the blue layer is dyed yellow, the green dyed magenta and the red dyed cyan. When light passes through the finished image, the layer dyed yellow subtracts blue, the magenta layer subtracts green and the cyan layer subtracts red. The color at any point in the image is the combination of colors that are not subtracted. For example, red is seen when blue and green are subtracted from white light (Pénichon 2013, 128–131).

There are also subtractive processes that are not based on tripack film: Sanger-Shepherd, Lumiere Trichrome and Technicolor, for example, start by exposing three physically separate plates or strips of film through color filters. The separations are then dyed and superimposed to form the final image. The processes differ in how that is accomplished, but the result is the same as for tripack-based processes: three layers dyed in complementary colors. See those items below for more detail.

  • Sanger-Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process

    Sanger-Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process

    Sanger-Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process

    Sanger-Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process

    Sanger-Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process
  • Lumiere Trichrome

    1900–c. 1909
    3-color subtractive process using 3 gel layers glued together

    Lumiere Trichrome

    1900–c. 1909
    3-color subtractive process using 3 gel layers glued together

    Lumiere Trichrome

    1900–c. 1909
    3-color subtractive process using 3 gel layers glued together

    Lumiere Trichrome

    1900–c. 1909
    3-color subtractive process using 3 gel layers glued together

    Lumiere Trichrome

    1900–c. 1909
    3-color subtractive process using 3 gel layers glued together
  • Kodachrome

    1935–2010
    First commercially successful subtractive color film

    Kodachrome

    1935–2010
    First commercially successful subtractive color film

    Kodachrome

    1935–2010
    First commercially successful subtractive color film

    Kodachrome

    1935–2010
    First commercially successful subtractive color film

    Kodachrome

    1935–2010
    First commercially successful subtractive color film
  • Agfacolor

    1936–1978

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978
  • Agfacolor

    1936–1978
    Less complex to develop than Kodachrome

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978
    Less complex to develop than Kodachrome

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978
    Less complex to develop than Kodachrome

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978
    Less complex to develop than Kodachrome

    Agfacolor

    1936–1978
    Less complex to develop than Kodachrome
  • Ektachrome

    1940s–present
    Easier to develop than Kodachrome, which made it more suitable for home movies

    Ektachrome

    1940s–present
    Easier to develop than Kodachrome, which made it more suitable for home movies

    Ektachrome

    1940s–present
    Easier to develop than Kodachrome, which made it more suitable for home movies

    Ektachrome

    1940s–present
    Easier to develop than Kodachrome, which made it more suitable for home movies

    Ektachrome

    1940s–present
    Easier to develop than Kodachrome, which made it more suitable for home movies
  • Ektachrome

    1946–present
    Liked for its fast speed and ease of use

    Ektachrome

    1946–present
    Liked for its fast speed and ease of use

    Ektachrome

    1946–present
    Liked for its fast speed and ease of use

    Ektachrome

    1946–present
    Liked for its fast speed and ease of use

    Ektachrome

    1946–present
    Liked for its fast speed and ease of use
  • Medium Format

    1935–2010

    Medium Format

    1935–2010

    Medium Format

    1935–2010

    Medium Format

    1935–2010

    Medium Format

    1935–2010
  • Anscochrome

    1955–1977
    An American-made version of Agfacolor

    Anscochrome

    1955–1977
    An American-made version of Agfacolor

    Anscochrome

    1955–1977
    An American-made version of Agfacolor

    Anscochrome

    1955–1977
    An American-made version of Agfacolor

    Anscochrome

    1955–1977
    An American-made version of Agfacolor
  • IB Technicolor

    1922–1952
    A process for printing color film

    IB Technicolor

    1922–1952
    A process for printing color film

    IB Technicolor

    1922–1952
    A process for printing color film

    IB Technicolor

    1922–1952
    A process for printing color film

    IB Technicolor

    1922–1952
    A process for printing color film
  • Eastmancolor

    1950–1980
    An Eastmancolor reduction print from the 1925 2-strip technicolor version

    Eastmancolor

    1950–1980
    An Eastmancolor reduction print from the 1925 2-strip technicolor version

    Eastmancolor

    1950–1980
    An Eastmancolor reduction print from the 1925 2-strip technicolor version

    Eastmancolor

    1950–1980
    An Eastmancolor reduction print from the 1925 2-strip technicolor version

    Eastmancolor

    1950–1980
    An Eastmancolor reduction print from the 1925 2-strip technicolor version
  • Fujicolor

    1980s–present

    Fujicolor

    1980s–present

    Fujicolor

    1980s–present

    Fujicolor

    1980s–present

    Fujicolor

    1980s–present

Photographic Formats

Photography has been applied to a wide variety of applications aimed at a broad range of users—professionals, amateurs, children, educators, scientists. The result is a profusion of materials, form factors, sizes and packaging.

Magic Lantern Slide

Magic lanterns, the ancestor of slide projectors (themselves relics), were invented in the mid-1600s. Until photography was available, slides were hand painted or transfer printed—less than ideal for images that would be enlarged by projection. Hyalotype, the printing of photographs on glass, was invented by William and Frederick Langenheim in 1848 and immediately applied to making lantern slides. Photographic slides could provide far more detail than existing techniques and vastly increased the range of subjects available. Interest in magic lanterns grew and the industry expanded rapidly in the second half of the 19th century.

  • Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    First process for printing a positive photographic image on glass.

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    First process for printing a positive photographic image on glass.

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    First process for printing a positive photographic image on glass.

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    First process for printing a positive photographic image on glass.

    Hyalotype

    1849–1870s (?)
    First process for printing a positive photographic image on glass.
  • Hand-Tinted

    c. 1849–1965
    Black & white slides were often colored by an artist using watercolor or oil paints.

    Hand-Tinted

    c. 1849–1965
    Black & white slides were often colored by an artist using watercolor or oil paints.

    Hand-Tinted

    c. 1849–1965
    Black & white slides were often colored by an artist using watercolor or oil paints.

    Hand-Tinted

    c. 1849–1965
    Black & white slides were often colored by an artist using watercolor or oil paints.

    Hand-Tinted

    c. 1849–1965
    Black & white slides were often colored by an artist using watercolor or oil paints.
  • Life Model

    1880s–1900s
    Multi-slide morality play with actors photographed in front of painted backgrounds.

    Life Model

    1880s–1900s
    Multi-slide morality play with actors photographed in front of painted backgrounds.

    Life Model

    1880s–1900s
    Multi-slide morality play with actors photographed in front of painted backgrounds.

    Life Model

    1880s–1900s
    Multi-slide morality play with actors photographed in front of painted backgrounds.

    Life Model

    1880s–1900s
    Multi-slide morality play with actors photographed in front of painted backgrounds.
  • Sanger Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process based on color separations

    Sanger Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process based on color separations

    Sanger Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process based on color separations

    Sanger Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process based on color separations

    Sanger Shepherd

    1900–c. 1915
    Dye-imbibition process based on color separations
  • Autochrome

    1907–1930s
    One of several formats used by the Lumiére's color process

    Autochrome

    1907–1930s
    One of several formats used by the Lumiére's color process

    Autochrome

    1907–1930s
    One of several formats used by the Lumiére's color process

    Autochrome

    1907–1930s
    One of several formats used by the Lumiére's color process

    Autochrome

    1907–1930s
    One of several formats used by the Lumiére's color process
  • Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Additive color using a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Additive color using a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Additive color using a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Additive color using a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.

    Finlaycolor

    1908–c. 1931
    Additive color using a screen of red and green circles on a blue-violet background.
  • Movie Theater Ad

    1910s–1960s
    Illustration and local ad copy printed photographically on celluloid.

    Movie Theater Ad

    1910s–1960s
    Illustration and local ad copy printed photographically on celluloid.

    Movie Theater Ad

    1910s–1960s
    Illustration and local ad copy printed photographically on celluloid.

    Movie Theater Ad

    1910s–1960s
    Illustration and local ad copy printed photographically on celluloid.

    Movie Theater Ad

    1910s–1960s
    Illustration and local ad copy printed photographically on celluloid.
  • Mica Slide

    1900–1910

    Mica Slide

    1900–1910

    Mica Slide

    1900–1910

    Mica Slide

    1900–1910

    Mica Slide

    1900–1910
  • Viopticon

    1912–1920s (?)
    Small-format glass slide used in movie theaters and classrooms.

    Viopticon

    1912–1920s (?)
    Small-format glass slide used in movie theaters and classrooms.

    Viopticon

    1912–1920s (?)
    Small-format glass slide used in movie theaters and classrooms.

    Viopticon

    1912–1920s (?)
    Small-format glass slide used in movie theaters and classrooms.

    Viopticon

    1912–1920s (?)
    Small-format glass slide used in movie theaters and classrooms.
  • Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Additive color using a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue filters.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Additive color using a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue filters.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Additive color using a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue filters.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Additive color using a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue filters.

    Paget Color

    1913–1920
    Additive color using a criss-crossing lattice of red, green and blue filters.
  • Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Additive color using red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Additive color using red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Additive color using red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Additive color using red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

    Dufay Color

    1932–1950s
    Additive color using red, green and blue filters arranged in a grid.

Slide

Celluloid 35mm slides began to replace glass magic lantern slides after Kodak introduced Kodachrome color slides in 1936, although magic lanterns remained in use for theater announcements, classroom instruction and business presentations into the 1950s. Celluloid slides were lighter, less fragile and less expensive than glass. Smaller slides led to smaller and lighter projectors. Reversal films like Kodachrome, which create a positive image when developed instead of a negative, simplified the process—slides could be cut out from the developed roll and placed directly in cardboard or plastic mounts. Home slide shows documenting vacations and family events became practical, affordable and ubiquitous.

  • Gedescope

    c. 1930
    For a cardboard viewer sold by George Dreyfus of Paris.

    Gedescope

    c. 1930
    For a cardboard viewer sold by George Dreyfus of Paris.

    Gedescope

    c. 1930
    For a cardboard viewer sold by George Dreyfus of Paris.

    Gedescope

    c. 1930
    For a cardboard viewer sold by George Dreyfus of Paris.

    Gedescope

    c. 1930
    For a cardboard viewer sold by George Dreyfus of Paris.
  • 35 mm (135)

    1932–present
    By far the most common size.

    35 mm (135)

    1932–present
    By far the most common size.

    35 mm (135)

    1932–present
    By far the most common size.

    35 mm (135)

    1932–present
    By far the most common size.

    35 mm (135)

    1932–present
    By far the most common size.
  • 35 mm Glass Mount

    1930s–present
    35 mm Agfa transparency between thin glass plates

    35 mm Glass Mount

    1930s–present
    35 mm Agfa transparency between thin glass plates

    35 mm Glass Mount

    1930s–present
    35 mm Agfa transparency between thin glass plates

    35 mm Glass Mount

    1930s–present
    35 mm Agfa transparency between thin glass plates

    35 mm Glass Mount

    1930s–present
    35 mm Agfa transparency between thin glass plates
  • 120

    1935–2010
    From a 6-cm-wide film roll. Also known as medium format.

    120

    1935–2010
    From a 6-cm-wide film roll. Also known as medium format.

    120

    1935–2010
    From a 6-cm-wide film roll. Also known as medium format.

    120

    1935–2010
    From a 6-cm-wide film roll. Also known as medium format.

    120

    1935–2010
    From a 6-cm-wide film roll. Also known as medium format.
  • Half-Frame 35 mm (135)

    1950s–1960s
    Two frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Half-Frame 35 mm (135)

    1950s–1960s
    Two frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Half-Frame 35 mm (135)

    1950s–1960s
    Two frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Half-Frame 35 mm (135)

    1950s–1960s
    Two frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.

    Half-Frame 35 mm (135)

    1950s–1960s
    Two frames in the space of one 35 mm frame.
  • Super 127

    1912–present
    The film is 46 mm wide. Sometimes called a "Superslide".

    Super 127

    1912–present
    The film is 46 mm wide. Sometimes called a "Superslide".

    Super 127

    1912–present
    The film is 46 mm wide. Sometimes called a "Superslide".

    Super 127

    1912–present
    The film is 46 mm wide. Sometimes called a "Superslide".

    Super 127

    1912–present
    The film is 46 mm wide. Sometimes called a "Superslide".
  • Super 35 mm (135)

    1960s
    35 mm film, but with an image height of 28 mm (as opposed to 24 mm).

    Super 35 mm (135)

    1960s
    35 mm film, but with an image height of 28 mm (as opposed to 24 mm).

    Super 35 mm (135)

    1960s
    35 mm film, but with an image height of 28 mm (as opposed to 24 mm).

    Super 35 mm (135)

    1960s
    35 mm film, but with an image height of 28 mm (as opposed to 24 mm).

    Super 35 mm (135)

    1960s
    35 mm film, but with an image height of 28 mm (as opposed to 24 mm).
  • 126

    1963–1999
    Introduced by Kodak for the Instamatic point-and-shoot camera.

    126

    1963–1999
    Introduced by Kodak for the Instamatic point-and-shoot camera.

    126

    1963–1999
    Introduced by Kodak for the Instamatic point-and-shoot camera.

    126

    1963–1999
    Introduced by Kodak for the Instamatic point-and-shoot camera.

    126

    1963–1999
    Introduced by Kodak for the Instamatic point-and-shoot camera.
  • Telop

    1949–1970s
    A still image used for TV advertisements, announcements and ads for upcoming shows.

    Telop

    1949–1970s
    A still image used for TV advertisements, announcements and ads for upcoming shows.

    Telop

    1949–1970s
    A still image used for TV advertisements, announcements and ads for upcoming shows.

    Telop

    1949–1970s
    A still image used for TV advertisements, announcements and ads for upcoming shows.

    Telop

    1949–1970s
    A still image used for TV advertisements, announcements and ads for upcoming shows.
  • 110

    1972–present
    16 mm cartridge-loaded film for Kodak's Pocket Instamatic.

    110

    1972–present
    16 mm cartridge-loaded film for Kodak's Pocket Instamatic.

    110

    1972–present
    16 mm cartridge-loaded film for Kodak's Pocket Instamatic.

    110

    1972–present
    16 mm cartridge-loaded film for Kodak's Pocket Instamatic.

    110

    1972–present
    16 mm cartridge-loaded film for Kodak's Pocket Instamatic.
  • Minox

    1936–present
    Subminiature camera using unperforated 9.2 mm film.

    Minox

    1936–present
    Subminiature camera using unperforated 9.2 mm film.

    Minox

    1936–present
    Subminiature camera using unperforated 9.2 mm film.

    Minox

    1936–present
    Subminiature camera using unperforated 9.2 mm film.

    Minox

    1936–present
    Subminiature camera using unperforated 9.2 mm film.
  • Stori-View Play Scope

    1950s–1960s
    Non-stereo Stori-View slide

    Stori-View Play Scope

    1950s–1960s
    Non-stereo Stori-View slide

    Stori-View Play Scope

    1950s–1960s
    Non-stereo Stori-View slide

    Stori-View Play Scope

    1950s–1960s
    Non-stereo Stori-View slide

    Stori-View Play Scope

    1950s–1960s
    Non-stereo Stori-View slide
  • Postcard

    1966
    An unusual Communist-era Czech souvenir postcard with attached slides.

    Postcard

    1966
    An unusual Communist-era Czech souvenir postcard with attached slides.

    Postcard

    1966
    An unusual Communist-era Czech souvenir postcard with attached slides.

    Postcard

    1966
    An unusual Communist-era Czech souvenir postcard with attached slides.

    Postcard

    1966
    An unusual Communist-era Czech souvenir postcard with attached slides.
  • Photorama Lumiére

    1900
    360 degree photograph to be projected as a panorama around an audience at the Paris International Exposition in 1900

    Photorama Lumiére

    1900
    360 degree photograph to be projected as a panorama around an audience at the Paris International Exposition in 1900

    Photorama Lumiére

    1900
    360 degree photograph to be projected as a panorama around an audience at the Paris International Exposition in 1900

    Photorama Lumiére

    1900
    360 degree photograph to be projected as a panorama around an audience at the Paris International Exposition in 1900

    Photorama Lumiére

    1900
    360 degree photograph to be projected as a panorama around an audience at the Paris International Exposition in 1900

Slide Strip

Slide strips consist of multiple images in a single mount. These are often called slides or filmstrips, but I've adopted this term to differentiate them from "slides," which consist of a single frame in a mount and "filmstrips," which are unmounted.

  • Keystone Film Compartment Slide

    1920s
    Holder for cut-out film frames for the Keystone Moviegraph

    Keystone Film Compartment Slide

    1920s
    Holder for cut-out film frames for the Keystone Moviegraph

    Keystone Film Compartment Slide

    1920s
    Holder for cut-out film frames for the Keystone Moviegraph

    Keystone Film Compartment Slide

    1920s
    Holder for cut-out film frames for the Keystone Moviegraph

    Keystone Film Compartment Slide

    1920s
    Holder for cut-out film frames for the Keystone Moviegraph
  • Glass Slide Chain

    early to mid-20th century
    A metal chain holding celluloid frames between cover glasses.

    Glass Slide Chain

    early to mid-20th century
    A metal chain holding celluloid frames between cover glasses.

    Glass Slide Chain

    early to mid-20th century
    A metal chain holding celluloid frames between cover glasses.

    Glass Slide Chain

    early to mid-20th century
    A metal chain holding celluloid frames between cover glasses.

    Glass Slide Chain

    early to mid-20th century
    A metal chain holding celluloid frames between cover glasses.
  • Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel

    mid- to late 1950s
    Slide for Mattel's Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel Projector. Slides were accompanied by 5 in. records.

    Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel

    mid- to late 1950s
    Slide for Mattel's Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel Projector. Slides were accompanied by 5 in. records.

    Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel

    mid- to late 1950s
    Slide for Mattel's Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel Projector. Slides were accompanied by 5 in. records.

    Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel

    mid- to late 1950s
    Slide for Mattel's Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel Projector. Slides were accompanied by 5 in. records.

    Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel

    mid- to late 1950s
    Slide for Mattel's Mickey Mouse Club Newsreel Projector. Slides were accompanied by 5 in. records.
  • Sawyers Story Card

    early 1960s
    From Sawyer's, better know for their 3D View-Master discs.

    Sawyers Story Card

    early 1960s
    From Sawyer's, better know for their 3D View-Master discs.

    Sawyers Story Card

    early 1960s
    From Sawyer's, better know for their 3D View-Master discs.

    Sawyers Story Card

    early 1960s
    From Sawyer's, better know for their 3D View-Master discs.

    Sawyers Story Card

    early 1960s
    From Sawyer's, better know for their 3D View-Master discs.
  • Babycolor

    early 1960s
    Bruguière, better known for their stereo slides, made these for their monoscopic Baby Clic viewer.

    Babycolor

    early 1960s
    Bruguière, better known for their stereo slides, made these for their monoscopic Baby Clic viewer.

    Babycolor

    early 1960s
    Bruguière, better known for their stereo slides, made these for their monoscopic Baby Clic viewer.

    Babycolor

    early 1960s
    Bruguière, better known for their stereo slides, made these for their monoscopic Baby Clic viewer.

    Babycolor

    early 1960s
    Bruguière, better known for their stereo slides, made these for their monoscopic Baby Clic viewer.
  • Panorama Colorslide

    1960–c. 1962
    Accompanied a book and a vinyl record with voice over.

    Panorama Colorslide

    1960–c. 1962
    Accompanied a book and a vinyl record with voice over.

    Panorama Colorslide

    1960–c. 1962
    Accompanied a book and a vinyl record with voice over.

    Panorama Colorslide

    1960–c. 1962
    Accompanied a book and a vinyl record with voice over.

    Panorama Colorslide

    1960–c. 1962
    Accompanied a book and a vinyl record with voice over.
  • Show 'N Tell Picturesound

    1964–late 1970s
    Came with a vinyl record. Viewed on a record player with a built-in rear projection screen.

    Show 'N Tell Picturesound

    1964–late 1970s
    Came with a vinyl record. Viewed on a record player with a built-in rear projection screen.

    Show 'N Tell Picturesound

    1964–late 1970s
    Came with a vinyl record. Viewed on a record player with a built-in rear projection screen.

    Show 'N Tell Picturesound

    1964–late 1970s
    Came with a vinyl record. Viewed on a record player with a built-in rear projection screen.

    Show 'N Tell Picturesound

    1964–late 1970s
    Came with a vinyl record. Viewed on a record player with a built-in rear projection screen.
  • Taylor-Merchant Sell-O-Vue

    early 1960s
    The accordion-style lens holder could be squeezed at the top and bottom to focus the image.

    Taylor-Merchant Sell-O-Vue

    early 1960s
    The accordion-style lens holder could be squeezed at the top and bottom to focus the image.

    Taylor-Merchant Sell-O-Vue

    early 1960s
    The accordion-style lens holder could be squeezed at the top and bottom to focus the image.

    Taylor-Merchant Sell-O-Vue

    early 1960s
    The accordion-style lens holder could be squeezed at the top and bottom to focus the image.

    Taylor-Merchant Sell-O-Vue

    early 1960s
    The accordion-style lens holder could be squeezed at the top and bottom to focus the image.
  • Uncle Milton Star Wars Science

    2010
    Synchronized with audio CD

    Uncle Milton Star Wars Science

    2010
    Synchronized with audio CD

    Uncle Milton Star Wars Science

    2010
    Synchronized with audio CD

    Uncle Milton Star Wars Science

    2010
    Synchronized with audio CD

    Uncle Milton Star Wars Science

    2010
    Synchronized with audio CD

Slide Disc

A sequence of photographic images mounted on a disc for projection or viewing through a hand-held viewer.

  • Tom Mix TV Viewer

    1949
    For a plastic TV viewer

    Tom Mix TV Viewer

    1949
    For a plastic TV viewer

    Tom Mix TV Viewer

    1949
    For a plastic TV viewer

    Tom Mix TV Viewer

    1949
    For a plastic TV viewer

    Tom Mix TV Viewer

    1949
    For a plastic TV viewer
  • Rudolph Projector

    early 1950s
    Color slide disc for toy projector

    Rudolph Projector

    early 1950s
    Color slide disc for toy projector

    Rudolph Projector

    early 1950s
    Color slide disc for toy projector

    Rudolph Projector

    early 1950s
    Color slide disc for toy projector

    Rudolph Projector

    early 1950s
    Color slide disc for toy projector
  • Vistomat

    1959
    Removable disc for plastic souvenir TV viewer

    Vistomat

    1959
    Removable disc for plastic souvenir TV viewer

    Vistomat

    1959
    Removable disc for plastic souvenir TV viewer

    Vistomat

    1959
    Removable disc for plastic souvenir TV viewer

    Vistomat

    1959
    Removable disc for plastic souvenir TV viewer
  • Disney World Photo Viewer

    1980s
    Slide discs mounted in plastic cartridges for Mickey Mouse viewer

    Disney World Photo Viewer

    1980s
    Slide discs mounted in plastic cartridges for Mickey Mouse viewer

    Disney World Photo Viewer

    1980s
    Slide discs mounted in plastic cartridges for Mickey Mouse viewer

    Disney World Photo Viewer

    1980s
    Slide discs mounted in plastic cartridges for Mickey Mouse viewer

    Disney World Photo Viewer

    1980s
    Slide discs mounted in plastic cartridges for Mickey Mouse viewer
  • View-Master Keychain

    1997
    A small non-3D View-Master viewer and reel with 7 cartoon images

    View-Master Keychain

    1997
    A small non-3D View-Master viewer and reel with 7 cartoon images

    View-Master Keychain

    1997
    A small non-3D View-Master viewer and reel with 7 cartoon images

    View-Master Keychain

    1997
    A small non-3D View-Master viewer and reel with 7 cartoon images

    View-Master Keychain

    1997
    A small non-3D View-Master viewer and reel with 7 cartoon images
  • Disney Princess Movie Theater

    2013–present
    Comes in a set with a storybook and projector

    Disney Princess Movie Theater

    2013–present
    Comes in a set with a storybook and projector

    Disney Princess Movie Theater

    2013–present
    Comes in a set with a storybook and projector

    Disney Princess Movie Theater

    2013–present
    Comes in a set with a storybook and projector

    Disney Princess Movie Theater

    2013–present
    Comes in a set with a storybook and projector
  • Discovery Star Planetarium

    c. 2015–present
    Images for a planetarium toy

    Discovery Star Planetarium

    c. 2015–present
    Images for a planetarium toy

    Discovery Star Planetarium

    c. 2015–present
    Images for a planetarium toy

    Discovery Star Planetarium

    c. 2015–present
    Images for a planetarium toy

    Discovery Star Planetarium

    c. 2015–present
    Images for a planetarium toy
  • Omnitrix Projector Watch

    2017–present
    For the Ben 10 role playing watch/projector

    Omnitrix Projector Watch

    2017–present
    For the Ben 10 role playing watch/projector

    Omnitrix Projector Watch

    2017–present
    For the Ben 10 role playing watch/projector

    Omnitrix Projector Watch

    2017–present
    For the Ben 10 role playing watch/projector

    Omnitrix Projector Watch

    2017–present
    For the Ben 10 role playing watch/projector
  • Moonlite

    2018–present
    Disc goes into projector held up against a smartphone in flashlight mode

    Moonlite

    2018–present
    Disc goes into projector held up against a smartphone in flashlight mode

    Moonlite

    2018–present
    Disc goes into projector held up against a smartphone in flashlight mode

    Moonlite

    2018–present
    Disc goes into projector held up against a smartphone in flashlight mode

    Moonlite

    2018–present
    Disc goes into projector held up against a smartphone in flashlight mode

Magazine

  • Kodak Carousel 550

    1962–2004

    Kodak Carousel 550

    1962–2004

    Kodak Carousel 550

    1962–2004

    Kodak Carousel 550

    1962–2004

    Kodak Carousel 550

    1962–2004
  • Minox Tray


    Minox Tray


    Minox Tray


    Minox Tray


    Minox Tray


Filmstrip

A filmstrip is a sequence of photographic stills on unmounted celluloid film—typically 35 mm or 16 mm with or without sprocket holes. The images are from photographs from life or of artwork that may include text, cartoons or illustrations. The first filmstrips were produced on 55 mm film around 1918 by the Underwoods of New York. Production was soon taken over by the Stillfilm Company. The familiar 35 mm filmstrip emerged in the mid-1920s.

  • Still Film

    1918
    70 mm unperforated horizontal pull

    Still Film

    1918
    70 mm unperforated horizontal pull

    Still Film

    1918
    70 mm unperforated horizontal pull

    Still Film

    1918
    70 mm unperforated horizontal pull

    Still Film

    1918
    70 mm unperforated horizontal pull
  • Rollfilm


    35 mm horizontal pull

    Rollfilm


    35 mm horizontal pull

    Rollfilm


    35 mm horizontal pull

    Rollfilm


    35 mm horizontal pull

    Rollfilm


    35 mm horizontal pull
  • Girl Comic


    For Minicine projector

    Girl Comic


    For Minicine projector

    Girl Comic


    For Minicine projector

    Girl Comic


    For Minicine projector

    Girl Comic


    For Minicine projector
  • Minicine

    1948–1958

    Minicine

    1948–1958

    Minicine

    1948–1958

    Minicine

    1948–1958

    Minicine

    1948–1958
  • Walt Disney


    Color 16 mm horizontal-pull filmstrip dated 1933

    Walt Disney


    Color 16 mm horizontal-pull filmstrip dated 1933

    Walt Disney


    Color 16 mm horizontal-pull filmstrip dated 1933

    Walt Disney


    Color 16 mm horizontal-pull filmstrip dated 1933

    Walt Disney


    Color 16 mm horizontal-pull filmstrip dated 1933
  • Mirafilm

    mid-1960s
    16 mm, sprocket-less Spanish filmstrip

    Mirafilm

    mid-1960s
    16 mm, sprocket-less Spanish filmstrip

    Mirafilm

    mid-1960s
    16 mm, sprocket-less Spanish filmstrip

    Mirafilm

    mid-1960s
    16 mm, sprocket-less Spanish filmstrip

    Mirafilm

    mid-1960s
    16 mm, sprocket-less Spanish filmstrip
  • Didactor Coding System

    late 1960s
    Programmed instruction

    Didactor Coding System

    late 1960s
    Programmed instruction

    Didactor Coding System

    late 1960s
    Programmed instruction

    Didactor Coding System

    late 1960s
    Programmed instruction

    Didactor Coding System

    late 1960s
    Programmed instruction
  • 35 mm

    early 1920s–c. 2000
    French filmstrip from the 1930s

    35 mm

    early 1920s–c. 2000
    French filmstrip from the 1930s

    35 mm

    early 1920s–c. 2000
    French filmstrip from the 1930s

    35 mm

    early 1920s–c. 2000
    French filmstrip from the 1930s

    35 mm

    early 1920s–c. 2000
    French filmstrip from the 1930s
  • Pathéorama

    1922–c. 1940s
    35 mm, stencil-colored with sprocket holes cut off on one side

    Pathéorama

    1922–c. 1940s
    35 mm, stencil-colored with sprocket holes cut off on one side

    Pathéorama

    1922–c. 1940s
    35 mm, stencil-colored with sprocket holes cut off on one side

    Pathéorama

    1922–c. 1940s
    35 mm, stencil-colored with sprocket holes cut off on one side

    Pathéorama

    1922–c. 1940s
    35 mm, stencil-colored with sprocket holes cut off on one side
  • 35 mm Sound

    1940s–c. 2000
    Training for Coca-Cola salesmen with audio on LP record

    35 mm Sound

    1940s–c. 2000
    Training for Coca-Cola salesmen with audio on LP record

    35 mm Sound

    1940s–c. 2000
    Training for Coca-Cola salesmen with audio on LP record

    35 mm Sound

    1940s–c. 2000
    Training for Coca-Cola salesmen with audio on LP record

    35 mm Sound

    1940s–c. 2000
    Training for Coca-Cola salesmen with audio on LP record
  • Cine Vue

    1930s–1950s
    16 mm filmstrip and viewer made by Pathegrams

    Cine Vue

    1930s–1950s
    16 mm filmstrip and viewer made by Pathegrams

    Cine Vue

    1930s–1950s
    16 mm filmstrip and viewer made by Pathegrams

    Cine Vue

    1930s–1950s
    16 mm filmstrip and viewer made by Pathegrams

    Cine Vue

    1930s–1950s
    16 mm filmstrip and viewer made by Pathegrams
  • Figure Studies

    1930s–1950s
    A "course" in photographic lighting using nude models

    Figure Studies

    1930s–1950s
    A "course" in photographic lighting using nude models

    Figure Studies

    1930s–1950s
    A "course" in photographic lighting using nude models

    Figure Studies

    1930s–1950s
    A "course" in photographic lighting using nude models

    Figure Studies

    1930s–1950s
    A "course" in photographic lighting using nude models
  • Famous Komics

    1934–1950s
    Characters licensed from Famous Artists Syndicate

    Famous Komics

    1934–1950s
    Characters licensed from Famous Artists Syndicate

    Famous Komics

    1934–1950s
    Characters licensed from Famous Artists Syndicate

    Famous Komics

    1934–1950s
    Characters licensed from Famous Artists Syndicate

    Famous Komics

    1934–1950s
    Characters licensed from Famous Artists Syndicate
  • Film Stip

    1950–1960s
    Frames from the film Rocketship XM

    Film Stip

    1950–1960s
    Frames from the film Rocketship XM

    Film Stip

    1950–1960s
    Frames from the film Rocketship XM

    Film Stip

    1950–1960s
    Frames from the film Rocketship XM

    Film Stip

    1950–1960s
    Frames from the film Rocketship XM
  • Seliscope

    c. 1955
    For French toy projector.

    Seliscope

    c. 1955
    For French toy projector.

    Seliscope

    c. 1955
    For French toy projector.

    Seliscope

    c. 1955
    For French toy projector.

    Seliscope

    c. 1955
    For French toy projector.
  • S. E. L. Ace Projector

    1950s
    16 mm filmstrip loop for toy projector

    S. E. L. Ace Projector

    1950s
    16 mm filmstrip loop for toy projector

    S. E. L. Ace Projector

    1950s
    16 mm filmstrip loop for toy projector

    S. E. L. Ace Projector

    1950s
    16 mm filmstrip loop for toy projector

    S. E. L. Ace Projector

    1950s
    16 mm filmstrip loop for toy projector
  • Mast Teaching Machine

    1960s
    Microfilm cassette for programmed learning

    Mast Teaching Machine

    1960s
    Microfilm cassette for programmed learning

    Mast Teaching Machine

    1960s
    Microfilm cassette for programmed learning

    Mast Teaching Machine

    1960s
    Microfilm cassette for programmed learning

    Mast Teaching Machine

    1960s
    Microfilm cassette for programmed learning
  • La Belle Commpak

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm filmstrip synchronized with built-in audio cartridge

    La Belle Commpak

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm filmstrip synchronized with built-in audio cartridge

    La Belle Commpak

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm filmstrip synchronized with built-in audio cartridge

    La Belle Commpak

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm filmstrip synchronized with built-in audio cartridge

    La Belle Commpak

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm filmstrip synchronized with built-in audio cartridge
  • Dukane Commander

    1970s
    Cartridge holding 35 mm filmstrip with audio on cassette tape

    Dukane Commander

    1970s
    Cartridge holding 35 mm filmstrip with audio on cassette tape

    Dukane Commander

    1970s
    Cartridge holding 35 mm filmstrip with audio on cassette tape

    Dukane Commander

    1970s
    Cartridge holding 35 mm filmstrip with audio on cassette tape

    Dukane Commander

    1970s
    Cartridge holding 35 mm filmstrip with audio on cassette tape
  • Pocket Full O' Fun

    1979
    10 mm filmstrip cassette

    Pocket Full O' Fun

    1979
    10 mm filmstrip cassette

    Pocket Full O' Fun

    1979
    10 mm filmstrip cassette

    Pocket Full O' Fun

    1979
    10 mm filmstrip cassette

    Pocket Full O' Fun

    1979
    10 mm filmstrip cassette

Microform

In 1853, J. B. Dancer, an English optician and microscopist, used the newly-invented wet collodion process to create photographs mounted on slides for viewing under a microscope. They were popular as curiosities and sold well. The broader potential of microphotography was first demonstrated in 1870 when a French microphotographer named Rene Dagron used it to send messages by carrier pigeon into Paris while it was under siege during the Franco-Prussian War. In the twentieth century, microphotography, in the form of microfilm and microfiche, became a standard way of archiving magazines, newspapers and other documents. It also found use in the military and espionage during World War II and the cold war.

  • Dancer Microphotograph

    1852–1870s
    Wet collodion photograph reduced 1:160

    Dancer Microphotograph

    1852–1870s
    Wet collodion photograph reduced 1:160

    Dancer Microphotograph

    1852–1870s
    Wet collodion photograph reduced 1:160

    Dancer Microphotograph

    1852–1870s
    Wet collodion photograph reduced 1:160

    Dancer Microphotograph

    1852–1870s
    Wet collodion photograph reduced 1:160
  • Micrograph

    late 1870s–late 1880s
    10 small portraits on glass slide

    Micrograph

    late 1870s–late 1880s
    10 small portraits on glass slide

    Micrograph

    late 1870s–late 1880s
    10 small portraits on glass slide

    Micrograph

    late 1870s–late 1880s
    10 small portraits on glass slide

    Micrograph

    late 1870s–late 1880s
    10 small portraits on glass slide
  • Microdot

    1920s–present
    Reproduction of a Soviet microdot discovered in a hollow nickel

    Microdot

    1920s–present
    Reproduction of a Soviet microdot discovered in a hollow nickel

    Microdot

    1920s–present
    Reproduction of a Soviet microdot discovered in a hollow nickel

    Microdot

    1920s–present
    Reproduction of a Soviet microdot discovered in a hollow nickel

    Microdot

    1920s–present
    Reproduction of a Soviet microdot discovered in a hollow nickel
  • 35 mm Recordak

    1920s–1990s
    Magazine on unperforated 35 mm microfilm

    35 mm Recordak

    1920s–1990s
    Magazine on unperforated 35 mm microfilm

    35 mm Recordak

    1920s–1990s
    Magazine on unperforated 35 mm microfilm

    35 mm Recordak

    1920s–1990s
    Magazine on unperforated 35 mm microfilm

    35 mm Recordak

    1920s–1990s
    Magazine on unperforated 35 mm microfilm
  • 16 mm Microfilm

    1930s–1990s

    16 mm Microfilm

    1930s–1990s

    16 mm Microfilm

    1930s–1990s

    16 mm Microfilm

    1930s–1990s

    16 mm Microfilm

    1930s–1990s
  • Aperture Card

    1943–present
    An 80-column card with a cutout to hold a 35 mm microfilm image.

    Aperture Card

    1943–present
    An 80-column card with a cutout to hold a 35 mm microfilm image.

    Aperture Card

    1943–present
    An 80-column card with a cutout to hold a 35 mm microfilm image.

    Aperture Card

    1943–present
    An 80-column card with a cutout to hold a 35 mm microfilm image.

    Aperture Card

    1943–present
    An 80-column card with a cutout to hold a 35 mm microfilm image.
  • M-Type Cartridge

    1950s–present
    16 mm microfilm in a plastic cartridge.

    M-Type Cartridge

    1950s–present
    16 mm microfilm in a plastic cartridge.

    M-Type Cartridge

    1950s–present
    16 mm microfilm in a plastic cartridge.

    M-Type Cartridge

    1950s–present
    16 mm microfilm in a plastic cartridge.

    M-Type Cartridge

    1950s–present
    16 mm microfilm in a plastic cartridge.
  • Cassette

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm microfilm in plastic cassette

    Cassette

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm microfilm in plastic cassette

    Cassette

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm microfilm in plastic cassette

    Cassette

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm microfilm in plastic cassette

    Cassette

    1960s–1970s
    16 mm microfilm in plastic cassette
  • Microfiche

    1930s–present
    105 x 148 mm

    Microfiche

    1930s–present
    105 x 148 mm

    Microfiche

    1930s–present
    105 x 148 mm

    Microfiche

    1930s–present
    105 x 148 mm

    Microfiche

    1930s–present
    105 x 148 mm
  • Ultrafiche

    1930s–present
    A microfiche with images reduced by a factor of 100 or more.

    Ultrafiche

    1930s–present
    A microfiche with images reduced by a factor of 100 or more.

    Ultrafiche

    1930s–present
    A microfiche with images reduced by a factor of 100 or more.

    Ultrafiche

    1930s–present
    A microfiche with images reduced by a factor of 100 or more.

    Ultrafiche

    1930s–present
    A microfiche with images reduced by a factor of 100 or more.
  • Microfilm Jacket

    1930s–present

    Microfilm Jacket

    1930s–present

    Microfilm Jacket

    1930s–present

    Microfilm Jacket

    1930s–present

    Microfilm Jacket

    1930s–present
  • Ultrafiche

    1960s–1970s
    Complete Bible (1245 pages) reduced by a factor of 1:250.

    Ultrafiche

    1960s–1970s
    Complete Bible (1245 pages) reduced by a factor of 1:250.

    Ultrafiche

    1960s–1970s
    Complete Bible (1245 pages) reduced by a factor of 1:250.

    Ultrafiche

    1960s–1970s
    Complete Bible (1245 pages) reduced by a factor of 1:250.

    Ultrafiche

    1960s–1970s
    Complete Bible (1245 pages) reduced by a factor of 1:250.
  • Computer Output Microfiche

    1960s–present
    Microfiche generated directly by computer.

    Computer Output Microfiche

    1960s–present
    Microfiche generated directly by computer.

    Computer Output Microfiche

    1960s–present
    Microfiche generated directly by computer.

    Computer Output Microfiche

    1960s–present
    Microfiche generated directly by computer.

    Computer Output Microfiche

    1960s–present
    Microfiche generated directly by computer.
  • Color Microfiche

    1970s—present

    Color Microfiche

    1970s—present

    Color Microfiche

    1970s—present

    Color Microfiche

    1970s—present

    Color Microfiche

    1970s—present
  • Microcard

    1940s–1960s
    Printed photographically on photo paper.

    Microcard

    1940s–1960s
    Printed photographically on photo paper.

    Microcard

    1940s–1960s
    Printed photographically on photo paper.

    Microcard

    1940s–1960s
    Printed photographically on photo paper.

    Microcard

    1940s–1960s
    Printed photographically on photo paper.
  • Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown
  • Taylor Merchant Microfiche


    Taylor Merchant Microfiche


    Taylor Merchant Microfiche


    Taylor Merchant Microfiche


    Taylor Merchant Microfiche


Print

In addition to a transparency, a photograph can be reproduced as a print: an opaque image reproduced from a negative on photopaper.

  • Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown

    Microprint

    c. 1940–unknown
  • Telop

    c. 1950–1960s
    Opaque card used for TV promos

    Telop

    c. 1950–1960s
    Opaque card used for TV promos

    Telop

    c. 1950–1960s
    Opaque card used for TV promos

    Telop

    c. 1950–1960s
    Opaque card used for TV promos

    Telop

    c. 1950–1960s
    Opaque card used for TV promos

Phototypesetting

Phototypesetting emerged in the early 1950s. At the time, most typesetting was done with linotype machines, a technique known as hot type. Linotype machines were large, highly complex machines in which type was cast on the fly from a lead alloy. Phototypesetting, or cold type, took an entirely different approach. The shapes of characters for a particular font were stored photographically as negative images on a transparent disc or plate. Characters on the disc were exposed to light one at a time by positioning the negative image over photosensitive paper.

  • Berthold Diatype

    1958–early 1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk

    Berthold Diatype

    1958–early 1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk

    Berthold Diatype

    1958–early 1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk

    Berthold Diatype

    1958–early 1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk

    Berthold Diatype

    1958–early 1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk
  • Letterphot

    1970s–1980s
    Helvetica Breithalbfett (Wide Semi-Bold)

    Letterphot

    1970s–1980s
    Helvetica Breithalbfett (Wide Semi-Bold)

    Letterphot

    1970s–1980s
    Helvetica Breithalbfett (Wide Semi-Bold)

    Letterphot

    1970s–1980s
    Helvetica Breithalbfett (Wide Semi-Bold)

    Letterphot

    1970s–1980s
    Helvetica Breithalbfett (Wide Semi-Bold)
  • Berthold Diatext

    c. 1980
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatext

    c. 1980
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatext

    c. 1980
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatext

    c. 1980
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatext

    c. 1980
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book
  • Varityper Comp/Set 500

    early 1980s
    Highland/Megaron Bold

    Varityper Comp/Set 500

    early 1980s
    Highland/Megaron Bold

    Varityper Comp/Set 500

    early 1980s
    Highland/Megaron Bold

    Varityper Comp/Set 500

    early 1980s
    Highland/Megaron Bold

    Varityper Comp/Set 500

    early 1980s
    Highland/Megaron Bold
  • Harris-Intertype Fototronic

    late 1950s–mid-1980s
    10Pt. Concorde Italic

    Harris-Intertype Fototronic

    late 1950s–mid-1980s
    10Pt. Concorde Italic

    Harris-Intertype Fototronic

    late 1950s–mid-1980s
    10Pt. Concorde Italic

    Harris-Intertype Fototronic

    late 1950s–mid-1980s
    10Pt. Concorde Italic

    Harris-Intertype Fototronic

    late 1950s–mid-1980s
    10Pt. Concorde Italic
  • Varityper Headliner

    1960s–1970s

    Varityper Headliner

    1960s–1970s

    Varityper Headliner

    1960s–1970s

    Varityper Headliner

    1960s–1970s

    Varityper Headliner

    1960s–1970s
  • Berthold Diatronic

    1967–1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatronic

    1967–1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatronic

    1967–1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatronic

    1967–1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book

    Berthold Diatronic

    1967–1980s
    Akzidenz-Grotesk Book
  • Compugraphic Font Strip

    1970s
    Stymie Medium Italic

    Compugraphic Font Strip

    1970s
    Stymie Medium Italic

    Compugraphic Font Strip

    1970s
    Stymie Medium Italic

    Compugraphic Font Strip

    1970s
    Stymie Medium Italic

    Compugraphic Font Strip

    1970s
    Stymie Medium Italic

Optical Soundtrack

The soundtrack for the first talkie (a film with spoken dialog), The Jazz Singer in 1927, was stored on a 16 inch, 33⅓ RPM record disc, which was played concurrently with the movie. Sound-on-disc systems were used in theaters for several years, but synchronization was an issue and the records wore out quickly. Editing a film when the soundtrack was on a shellac record was also extremely difficult.

A competing approach, sound-on-film, stored the sound on the film itself as an optical waveform—literally a picture of the sound. The waveform was recorded photographically using either light reflected by a vibrating mirror or light from a source whose intensity varied with the sound. The audio was played back by shining a light through the soundtrack onto a light sensitive vacuum tube (originally developed for an optical signaling system used by the U.S. Navy). The sound was thus inherently synchronized and editing the film simultaneously edited the soundtrack. Although audio recording was eventually separated from film recording, particularly with the introduction of magnetic tape recording, an optical soundtrack is still added when films are printed today.

  • Variable Density

    1919–1950s

    Variable Density

    1919–1950s

    Variable Density

    1919–1950s

    Variable Density

    1919–1950s

    Variable Density

    1919–1950s
  • Unilateral Variable-Area

    1930s–1940s

    Unilateral Variable-Area

    1930s–1940s

    Unilateral Variable-Area

    1930s–1940s

    Unilateral Variable-Area

    1930s–1940s

    Unilateral Variable-Area

    1930s–1940s
  • Dual Unilateral

    1930s–1950s

    Dual Unilateral

    1930s–1950s

    Dual Unilateral

    1930s–1950s

    Dual Unilateral

    1930s–1950s

    Dual Unilateral

    1930s–1950s
  • Bilateral Variable Area

    1929–1970s

    Bilateral Variable Area

    1929–1970s

    Bilateral Variable Area

    1929–1970s

    Bilateral Variable Area

    1929–1970s

    Bilateral Variable Area

    1929–1970s
  • Dual Bilateral Variable Area

    Late 1940s–1970s

    Dual Bilateral Variable Area

    Late 1940s–1970s

    Dual Bilateral Variable Area

    Late 1940s–1970s

    Dual Bilateral Variable Area

    Late 1940s–1970s

    Dual Bilateral Variable Area

    Late 1940s–1970s
  • Stereo Dual-Bilateral Variable-Area

    c. 1955–present

    Stereo Dual-Bilateral Variable-Area

    c. 1955–present

    Stereo Dual-Bilateral Variable-Area

    c. 1955–present

    Stereo Dual-Bilateral Variable-Area

    c. 1955–present

    Stereo Dual-Bilateral Variable-Area

    c. 1955–present
  • Dolby Digital

    1992–present
    Blocks of digital audio between sprocket holes

    Dolby Digital

    1992–present
    Blocks of digital audio between sprocket holes

    Dolby Digital

    1992–present
    Blocks of digital audio between sprocket holes

    Dolby Digital

    1992–present
    Blocks of digital audio between sprocket holes

    Dolby Digital

    1992–present
    Blocks of digital audio between sprocket holes
  • SDDS

    Sony Dynamic Digital Sound
    1993–early 2000s

    SDDS

    Sony Dynamic Digital Sound
    1993–early 2000s

    SDDS

    Sony Dynamic Digital Sound
    1993–early 2000s

    SDDS

    Sony Dynamic Digital Sound
    1993–early 2000s

    SDDS

    Sony Dynamic Digital Sound
    1993–early 2000s
  • Maurer

    early 1930s–1950s
    6 mono tracks.

    Maurer

    early 1930s–1950s
    6 mono tracks.

    Maurer

    early 1930s–1950s
    6 mono tracks.

    Maurer

    early 1930s–1950s
    6 mono tracks.

    Maurer

    early 1930s–1950s
    6 mono tracks.

Tonewheel

Before digital synthesizers, optical organs like the Optigan stored analog waveforms photographically. The concept was the same as an optical sound track for a movie, except that the waveforms were stored as circular tracks on celluloid discs, with each track storing a different pitch. The sound wasn't great and the mechanisms weren't that robust. As a result, optical organs weren't very successful, although they are still sometimes used by recording artists in search of unusual or retro sounds. Those sounds have also lived on, ironically, in the form of digital samples for synthesizers.

  • Optigan

    1971–1976

    Optigan

    1971–1976

    Optigan

    1971–1976

    Optigan

    1971–1976

    Optigan

    1971–1976
  • Chilton Talentmaker

    1973–1976
    A somewhat more refined version of the Optigan.

    Chilton Talentmaker

    1973–1976
    A somewhat more refined version of the Optigan.

    Chilton Talentmaker

    1973–1976
    A somewhat more refined version of the Optigan.

    Chilton Talentmaker

    1973–1976
    A somewhat more refined version of the Optigan.

    Chilton Talentmaker

    1973–1976
    A somewhat more refined version of the Optigan.
  • Vako Orchestron

    1975–c. 1978
    A prototype disc for the Ochestron, an Optigan for professionals.

    Vako Orchestron

    1975–c. 1978
    A prototype disc for the Ochestron, an Optigan for professionals.

    Vako Orchestron

    1975–c. 1978
    A prototype disc for the Ochestron, an Optigan for professionals.

    Vako Orchestron

    1975–c. 1978
    A prototype disc for the Ochestron, an Optigan for professionals.

    Vako Orchestron

    1975–c. 1978
    A prototype disc for the Ochestron, an Optigan for professionals.

Optical Memory Card

Developed in the late 1980s by the Drexler Corp., the LaserCard could store 2.6 megabytes of data. A photosensitive strip is bonded to the card is exposed to ultraviolet light passing through transparent areas in a master. When developed, the exposed spots, which are darker than the unexposed areas of the strip, can be read by reflected laser light. Originally intended to hold medical data, the technology, now marketed by HID Global, is apparently still in use in multiple countries for government ID cards.

  • LaserCard

    c. 1987–present
    Write-once media written and read by laser.

    LaserCard

    c. 1987–present
    Write-once media written and read by laser.

    LaserCard

    c. 1987–present
    Write-once media written and read by laser.

    LaserCard

    c. 1987–present
    Write-once media written and read by laser.

    LaserCard

    c. 1987–present
    Write-once media written and read by laser.
  • CliniCard

    1989–c. 1996
    Licensed from Drexler Technology (LaserCard) to hold personal medical data.

    CliniCard

    1989–c. 1996
    Licensed from Drexler Technology (LaserCard) to hold personal medical data.

    CliniCard

    1989–c. 1996
    Licensed from Drexler Technology (LaserCard) to hold personal medical data.

    CliniCard

    1989–c. 1996
    Licensed from Drexler Technology (LaserCard) to hold personal medical data.

    CliniCard

    1989–c. 1996
    Licensed from Drexler Technology (LaserCard) to hold personal medical data.

Thermal Processes

Certain dyes become opaque when heated by a laser or by direct contact with a heating element. The dye can be applied to a variety of substrates including plastic, metal or paper. The process is irreversible, limiting it to applications like write-once optical discs and thermal printing.

Optical Disc

Standard CDs and DVDs are manufactured by injection molding and are thus inherently read-only. The high quality of prerecorded audio and video they offered, at least relative to tape, played a large part of in their rapid ascendence. But cassette audio and video tape had accustomed consumers to recording their own music and video. You couldn't make a mixtape with a CD. You couldn't record a television show on a DVD to watch later. In the case of data applications like backup or scientific instrumentation, the capacity, speed of access and durability of optical media was attractive, but, again, the ability to record was the missing piece. This began to change in the mid-1980s with the introduction of recordable CDs.

The discs in this section are Write Once Read Multiple (WORM). WORM discs consist of a metal layer, a layer of organic dye, and the usual protective plastic. Data is written to a blank disc using a laser at a high enough power to heat the dye layer and cause a chemical change that makes the dye opaque in selected spots—the origin of the phrase to "burn a CD". During reading, the laser, at a lower power, directs light at the dye layer. Where it's still transparent, the light passes through and is reflected back by the metal layer. Where the dye is opaque, light is absorbed. The chemical change is permanent, which means the disc can only be written once. For many applications, such as recording, backup and data collection, this limitation is no problem. Discs that can be written multiple times use a different technology (see Phase).

  • Recordable Laser Videodisc

    1984–mid-1990s

    Recordable Laser Videodisc

    1984–mid-1990s

    Recordable Laser Videodisc

    1984–mid-1990s

    Recordable Laser Videodisc

    1984–mid-1990s

    Recordable Laser Videodisc

    1984–mid-1990s
  • Sony CRVdisc

    c. 1985–mid 1990s
    A Write Once laser disc, used mainly in professional settings for data backup.\

    Sony CRVdisc

    c. 1985–mid 1990s
    A Write Once laser disc, used mainly in professional settings for data backup.\

    Sony CRVdisc

    c. 1985–mid 1990s
    A Write Once laser disc, used mainly in professional settings for data backup.\

    Sony CRVdisc

    c. 1985–mid 1990s
    A Write Once laser disc, used mainly in professional settings for data backup.\

    Sony CRVdisc

    c. 1985–mid 1990s
    A Write Once laser disc, used mainly in professional settings for data backup.\
  • CD-R

    1991–present
    A write-once version of the compact disc

    CD-R

    1991–present
    A write-once version of the compact disc

    CD-R

    1991–present
    A write-once version of the compact disc

    CD-R

    1991–present
    A write-once version of the compact disc

    CD-R

    1991–present
    A write-once version of the compact disc
  • Yamaha Disklavier

    2002–present
    MIDI data on one track, vocal on the other

    Yamaha Disklavier

    2002–present
    MIDI data on one track, vocal on the other

    Yamaha Disklavier

    2002–present
    MIDI data on one track, vocal on the other

    Yamaha Disklavier

    2002–present
    MIDI data on one track, vocal on the other

    Yamaha Disklavier

    2002–present
    MIDI data on one track, vocal on the other
  • Mini CD-R

    1991–2004
    3.1 in. (80 mm) compact disc

    Mini CD-R

    1991–2004
    3.1 in. (80 mm) compact disc

    Mini CD-R

    1991–2004
    3.1 in. (80 mm) compact disc

    Mini CD-R

    1991–2004
    3.1 in. (80 mm) compact disc

    Mini CD-R

    1991–2004
    3.1 in. (80 mm) compact disc
  • CD-R Audio

    1997–2010s
    Can be used to record music on a consumer recorder

    CD-R Audio

    1997–2010s
    Can be used to record music on a consumer recorder

    CD-R Audio

    1997–2010s
    Can be used to record music on a consumer recorder

    CD-R Audio

    1997–2010s
    Can be used to record music on a consumer recorder

    CD-R Audio

    1997–2010s
    Can be used to record music on a consumer recorder
  • DVD-R

    1997–present
    A WORM disc with the same capacity as a DVD

    DVD-R

    1997–present
    A WORM disc with the same capacity as a DVD

    DVD-R

    1997–present
    A WORM disc with the same capacity as a DVD

    DVD-R

    1997–present
    A WORM disc with the same capacity as a DVD

    DVD-R

    1997–present
    A WORM disc with the same capacity as a DVD
  • CD Business Card

    ca. 1999–present
    Shaped CD-R made to fit into a wallet.

    CD Business Card

    ca. 1999–present
    Shaped CD-R made to fit into a wallet.

    CD Business Card

    ca. 1999–present
    Shaped CD-R made to fit into a wallet.

    CD Business Card

    ca. 1999–present
    Shaped CD-R made to fit into a wallet.

    CD Business Card

    ca. 1999–present
    Shaped CD-R made to fit into a wallet.
  • Double Layer DVD+R

    2003–present

    Double Layer DVD+R

    2003–present

    Double Layer DVD+R

    2003–present

    Double Layer DVD+R

    2003–present

    Double Layer DVD+R

    2003–present
  • Fuji PhotoDisc CD-R

    2004–
    A more stable version of CD-R for archival storage

    Fuji PhotoDisc CD-R

    2004–
    A more stable version of CD-R for archival storage

    Fuji PhotoDisc CD-R

    2004–
    A more stable version of CD-R for archival storage

    Fuji PhotoDisc CD-R

    2004–
    A more stable version of CD-R for archival storage

    Fuji PhotoDisc CD-R

    2004–
    A more stable version of CD-R for archival storage
  • HD-DVD R

    2006–2008
    Write-once version of the failed HD-DVD format

    HD-DVD R

    2006–2008
    Write-once version of the failed HD-DVD format

    HD-DVD R

    2006–2008
    Write-once version of the failed HD-DVD format

    HD-DVD R

    2006–2008
    Write-once version of the failed HD-DVD format

    HD-DVD R

    2006–2008
    Write-once version of the failed HD-DVD format
  • BD-R

    2006–present
    Blue-Ray Disc Recordable, with a capacity of 25 GB

    BD-R

    2006–present
    Blue-Ray Disc Recordable, with a capacity of 25 GB

    BD-R

    2006–present
    Blue-Ray Disc Recordable, with a capacity of 25 GB

    BD-R

    2006–present
    Blue-Ray Disc Recordable, with a capacity of 25 GB

    BD-R

    2006–present
    Blue-Ray Disc Recordable, with a capacity of 25 GB

Optical Card

In 1981, British Telecom introduced a prepaid phonecard that used thermal marking to track usage. The card was read by reflected infrared light. The reflective coating was burned away by a heating element as the card was used, allowing the phone to determine how much time was left.

  • British Telecom Phonecard

    1981–1996
    Time remaining tracked by burning spots in reflective strip

    British Telecom Phonecard

    1981–1996
    Time remaining tracked by burning spots in reflective strip

    British Telecom Phonecard

    1981–1996
    Time remaining tracked by burning spots in reflective strip

    British Telecom Phonecard

    1981–1996
    Time remaining tracked by burning spots in reflective strip

    British Telecom Phonecard

    1981–1996
    Time remaining tracked by burning spots in reflective strip

Barcode

Barcodes and mailing labels are often printed using direct thermal printing. In direct thermal printing, the print head contains heating elements that cause a chemical change that blackens a specially coated paper. Unlike thermal transfer printing, a direct thermal printer uses no ink or ribbon.

  • Maxicode / Code 128


    Barcodes frequently used on shipping labels.

    Maxicode / Code 128


    Barcodes frequently used on shipping labels.

    Maxicode / Code 128


    Barcodes frequently used on shipping labels.

    Maxicode / Code 128


    Barcodes frequently used on shipping labels.

    Maxicode / Code 128


    Barcodes frequently used on shipping labels.
References
Photochemical Processes
⌃  Back to citationPénichon, Sylvie. 2013. Twentieth Century Colour Photographs. The Complete Guide to Processes, Identification & Preservation. Thames & Hudson.