Film Bases
Physical components of film and the differences between each film base
Emulsion: a photosensitive gelatin binder that carries the image; the thinner part of the film.
Base: flexible support on which photographic emulsions are coated; the thicker part of the film
The Three Bases
Nitrate
- Extant from 1893 to the early 1950s
- Highly flammable
- Only produced as 35mm
- Often labeled NITRATE FILM on the film base’s edge
Acetate
- Extant from 1909 to present
- Nonflammable substitute for nitrate
- Also known as Safety Film
- Often has SAFETY FILM printed along the film base’s edge
Polyester
- Extant from mid 1950s to present
- Thinner and stronger than acetate
- Most chemically stable film based used today
- The most transparent of the three bases
