Gaslight

About a month ago, we performed some short experiments utilizing a “gaslight emulsion.” While not a common emulsion for motion picture film, “gaslight emulsion” (which is typically a pure chloride emulsion) was very popular for print making when introduced in the 1890’s under the proprietary name “Velox” as it could be handeled under “gaslight” conditions.

(From the Focal Encyclopedia) “gaslight papers were so called because they could be handled in a darkroom with a single dim gaslight a few feet away without fogging the sensitive emulsion. When placed in a printing frame, the paper was in contact with a negative and was exposed by holding the frame close to the gaslight, which was adjusted to a proper intensity. Development with an alkaline developer was performed under a dim gaslight as well.”

More experiments to follow…