Sheet Film

Sheet film is exactly as the name suggests. It is film that is supplied in individual sheets instead of in rolls. Normal film, the type most of us are used to seeing, comes in either rolls or in packs. Sheet film comes in single sheets.

Because it comes in singles pieces, sheet film is loaded into a device one sheet at a time. The photo is taken and the sheet is removed, another is added and so on. Anyone who has been inside the dark room of a x ray machine will remember this process. The container is usually big and has a lid that is opened and closed. The holding device itself is light proof and is slipped inside the camera of choice.

Sheet film is almost always used for either large format or medium format photography. It is interesting to note that this type of film came about as a replacement for glass plates, which were the first types of picture media. Over the years, sheet film has been researched and developed into many different uses and it is one of the most sensitive types of film available.

The Ilford sheet film and the Rollei sheet film companies are two of the better known companies that produce this type of film. Both of these companies have spent years in fine tuning their products and they are considered some of the best manufacturers in the world today of fine sheet film.

For those interested, it should be noted that this type of media comes in various sizes. You can buy 8 x 10 sheet film or sheets that are larger. The size is often determined by the use that it is intended for.

Processing for this type of film is usually either of the tray type or the tank type. The tray type is perhaps better known as it has been seen in countless movies where a dark room is involved. The tank type of processing is more common in x ray developing of past days.

Anyone who is using this type of film should pay particular attention to the sheet film storage methods that are employed. Storing your sheet film improperly will greatly enhance your chances of damaging it or the results that it can produce when developed. For best results, you should always follow the storage procedures that are given with the product.