Black and White Film
Film with a single silver-based emulsion that records only luminance, producing a monochrome negative.
Measured in
ISO
In depth
Because the final image is metallic silver rather than dye, a properly processed black and white negative is among the most stable image carriers known, lasting centuries. Its simplicity also makes home processing straightforward — three chemicals, a tank and a dark bag — and it responds strongly to coloured filters at the taking stage.
Examples in practice
A red filter over the lens darkens a blue sky dramatically on black and white film while leaving clouds bright.