Kodak AS-116 User Manual

AS-116

KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444

KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 is a medium-speed, very fine-grain color negative aerial film. This film has a wide exposure latitude and is specifically designed for processing to a color negative only. Since this film does not have integral color masking, direct interpretation can be made from the negative. Objects are recorded in colors complementary to their natural colors.

The ESTAR Base provides flexibility, moisture resistance, high tear resistance, and excellent dimensional stability. KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 has an abrasion-resistant emulsion, an antihalation undercoat, and a dyed-gel backing.

The hardened emulsion permits high-temperature, rapid processing in roller-transport processors, such as the KODAK Aerial Color Processor, Model 1611, and the KODAK EKTACHROME RT Processor, Model 1811, with Quick-Change, using Process AN-6. This process consists of selected KODAK EA-5 Chemicals and AN-6 Chemicals. Processing can be easily tailored to optimize contrast for specific applications.

This film is also compatible with Process C-41. It can be processed in existing C-41 processors using either KODAK FLEXICOLOR Developer or KODAK Developer Replenisher, Process AN-6.

This film can be processed in rewind processing equipment, such as the Morse M-10 developing outfit (Military Designator: B-5), although this is not a primary processing recommendation.

APPLICATIONS

KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 is for general use in medium- to high-altitude aerial-mapping and aerial-reconnaissance photography. It is suited for geological, pollution, archeological, crop and forestry studies; traffic control; city planning; railway, highway, and hydraulic engineering; oceanography; and remote sensing, as well as other areas where photogrammetry is used. It is also well suited and recommended for use in digital film recorders.

BASE

3.9-mil (0.10 mm) ESTAR Base with a gel backing.

TOTAL FILM THICKNESS

The nominal total thickness (unprocessed) of this film is

5.2 mils (0.132 mm). This includes emulsion—0.8 mil (0.020 mm), base—3.9 mils (0.10 mm), and backing—

0.5 mil (0.013 mm ).

WEIGHT

The weight of AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 (unprocessed), conditioned in equilibrium with 50 percent relative humidity, is 0.04 lbs⁄sq ft (0.018 kg⁄sq ft).

SPECTRAL SENSITIVITY

This multilayer, color negative film is balanced for daylight exposure.

SAFELIGHT

Total darkness is required.

EXPOSURE

Aerial Film Speeds (EAFS or ISO A equivalent) should not be confused with conventional film speeds, which are designed for roll and sheet films used in pictorial photography. The characteristics of aerial scenes differ markedly from those of ordinary pictorial or ground scenes because of the smaller range in subject luminance, atmospheric haze conditions, and other factors. Therefore, different film-speed parameters are used to relate aerial-scene characteristics to practical exposure recommendations.

The KODAK Aerial Exposure Computer, KODAK Publication AS-10, has been published based on the aerial film speed criterion.

Nominal speed, daylight (no filter): EAFS or ISO A 125 (based on development for maximum contrast)

Note: The Aerial Film Speed given in this publication is rounded to the nearest cube root of 2 step (equivalent to 1⁄3 stop).

Filters

This film incorporates an integral ultraviolet-absorbing filter, so color correction filters are not normally used. If necessary , additional color-balance adjustment in the blue region can be achieved using KODAK Haze Cutting Filters HF-4 or HF-5.

©Eastman Kodak Company, 2005

Typical Camera Exposure

A typical exposure for this film, in an aerial camera with a 2X antivignetting filter, is approximately 1⁄750 second at f⁄5.6. This exposure is based on a solar altitude of 40 degrees, a clear day, and an aircraft altitude of 5000 feet.

Reciprocity Characteristics

No filter correction or exposure adjustment is required for exposure times from 1⁄10,000 second to 1⁄10 second.

IMAGE STRUCTURE

Processed Film

For best keeping, store processed film in a dark, dust-free area at 50 to 70°F (10 to 21°C) and 30 to 50 percent relative humidity. Preferably, store negatives on the spool or in individual KODAK Sleeves. High relative humidity promotes the growth of mold and causes ferrotyping. Very low relative humidity causes excessive curl and brittleness. Avoid storage temperatures over 80°F (27°C).

Caution! Do not freeze processed AEROCOLOR III

Color Negative Film 2444. Freezing processed film can cause coupler alterations.

Resolving Power

Process

AN-6, 3:00 dev time 80 100 16 C-41, 4:15 dev time 80 125 15 C-41, 3:15 dev time 80 125 10

Granularity values read at a net green diffuse density of 1.0 with a

48-micrometre aperture.

(line pairs/mm)

TOC 1.6:1 TOC 1000:1

rms

Granularity

STORAGE

For consistent results, all aerial films should be stored under fairly constant conditions. Kodak aerial films are “usually” packaged in equilibrium with 40 to 50 percent relative humidity. High temperatures or high humidity may produce undesirable changes in the film. Color films are more seriously affected by adverse storage conditions than are black-and-white films. These adverse conditions affect the three emulsion layers to different degrees, thus causing changes in the color balance, as well as possible changes in overall film speed and contrast.

Unexposed Film

While this film has exceptionally good rawstock keeping characteristics at room temperature, it is recommended that film that will not be exposed within two weeks be stored in a refrigerator at 55°F (13°C) or lower , or freezer at 0 to -10°F (-18 to -23°C), in the original sealed container. If the film is stored in a refrigerator, remove it about 2 hours before opening; if stored in a freezer, remov e it about 8 hours before opening. A sufficient warm-up time is necessary to prevent moisture condensation on cold film—otherwise, moisture spotting, ferrotyping, or sticking may occur.

Exposed Film

Although this film has excellent latent-keeping properties, it remains prudent to keep exposed film cool and dry whene ver practical. Process the film as soon as possible after exposure to avoid undesirable changes in the latent image. If it is necessary to hold exposed but unprocessed film for more than a week, it should be resealed and refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower. Before unsealing and processing exposed film that has been held in cold storage, follow the warm-up procedures described above for unexposed film.

PROCESSING

The primary recommendation for processing 2444 Film is in Process AN-6 using mechanized processors. Mechanized processing in roller-transport processors offers the advantages of uniform treatment of all portions of the roll, freedom from banding, and absence of significant density variations from ends of the roll to the center.

Note: Contrast may be easily tailored over a range of approximately 0.65 to 0.95 gamma to suit various acquisition and personal preferences. The following tables for Process AN-6 pertain to the highest contrast option; a table at the end of this section lists both AN-6 and C-41 developer time/temperature options to achieve a variety of desired contrasts.

Process AN-6 Cycle Times

Processor

KODAK Aerial Color Processor, Model 1611

KODAK EKTACHROME RT Processor, Model 1811 (with Quick-Change)

Tr ansport Speed (feet per minute)

4.2 11.8 minutes

4.2 11.6 minutes

Dry-to-Dry

Processing

Time

In each case, the film is fed emulsion side down into the

processor.

This publication provides general information regarding the KODAK Aerial Color Processor, Model 1611, and the KODAK EKTACHROME RT Processor, Model 1811. Refer to the operating manuals for additional set-up information.

Note: For a list of firms equipped to offer machine processing of 2444 Film, send an e-mail to aerial@kodak.com or write to Eastman Kodak Company, Aerial Imaging, Rochester, New York 14653-7128.

2 KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 • AS-116

Chemicals

Process AN-6 uses the following KODAK EA-5 and AN-6 Chemicals:

KODAK Developer Starter, Process AN-6 KODAK Developer Replenisher, Process AN-6 KODAK EA-5 First and Second Stop Bath and

Replenisher KODAK EA-5 Bleach and Replenisher KODAK Aerial Color Fixer and Replenisher KODAK EA-5 Stabilizer and Replenisher

Notice: Observe precautionary information on product labels and Material Safety Data sheets.

Processing Sequence (4.2 fpm):

KODAK Aerial Color Processor, Model 1611

Solution/Step Tank No.

AN-6 Developer 1, 2, 3 179.3 106 ± 0.5 41.1 ± 0.3 Skip Tanks 4 - 9 28.4 — — Stop Bath 10 58.9 120 ± 5 49 ± 3 Wash 11 58.9 120 ± 5 49 ± 3 Bleach 12 58.9 120 ± 5 49 ± 3 Fixer 13 58.9 115 ± 5 46 ± 3 Final Wash Dryer — 88.7 145 ± 5 63 ± 3

Inject EA-5 Stabilizer and Replenishe r into ta nk 16 of the fina l wa sh at a

rate of 50 mL/min for all film widths.

14, 15, 16 176.0 120 ± 5 49 ± 3

Time

(seconds)

KODAK EKTACHROME RT Processor, Model 1811,

Quick-Change

Solution/Step Tank No.

Skip Tanks 1, 2, 3 18.1 — — AN-6 Developer 4, 5, 6 175.9 106 ± 0.5 41.1 ± 0.3 Skip Tanks 7 - 12 29.2 — — Second Stop 13 58.6 120 ± 5 49 ± 3 Wash 14 58.6 120 ± 5 49 ± 3 Bleach 15 58.6 120 ± 5 49 ± 3 Fixer 16 58.6 115 ± 5 46 ± 3 Final Wash Dryer

Inject EA-5 Stabilizer and Replenishe r into ta nk 18 of the fina l wa sh at a

rate of 50 mL⁄min for all film widths.

†

Set air-damper control knobs at 8. Th e dryer temperature may require

adjustment depending on the ambi ent temperature and humidity conditions in the processing area.

†

17, 18 117.3 120 ± 5 49 ± 3

— 122.1 140 ± 5 60 ± 3

Time

(seconds)

Temperature

°F °C

Temperature

°F °C

Replenishment and Wash Rates (4.2 fpm):

Note: These rates have been rounded to the nearest usable increment.

Models 1611 and 1811 with Quick Change

Solution/Step

AN-6 Developer

Stop Bath 200 195 350 665 Wash — 2 gal/min — Bleach 90 90 160 300 Fixer 100 100 175 335 Final Wash

The required rates will vary with the a verage exposure level. Make an

adjustment if the control strip density levels increase or decrease substantially.

†

Inject EA-5 Stabilizer and Replenishe r into tank 16 (Mod el 1611) or tank

18 (Model 1811) of the final wash at a rate of 50 mL⁄min for all film widths. In the Model 1611, this wash flows counte rcurrent to tanks 15 and 14. In the Model 1811, this wash flows co untercurrent to tank 17.

†

Basic

Rate

(mL/ft

110 105 195 365

)

70 mm

(mL/min)

Film Width

5-in.

(mL/min)

— 2 gal/min —

9 1/2-in.

(mL/min)

Bleach Regeneration

Regeneration of used EA-5 Bleach will reduce processing solution costs and substantially reduce the amount of bleach discarded to the sewer. Collection and treatment tanks for bleach overflow solution and chemical testing capability are required. A detailed laboratory procedure is available from Eastman Kodak Company.

C-41 Processing

This film may be processed in KODAK FLEXICOLOR Chemicals for Process C-41. T o achieve results like Process AN-6, extend the development time to 5’15” at 100°F (38°C) with a basic replenishment rate of 94 mL⁄ft development times may be used to achieve lo wer contrast, if desired. Substitute AN-6 Developer using a developer time of 2’56” at 106°F (41°C) for increased productivity.

Note: Do not use KODAK FLEXICOLOR Developer LORR, as the low tank turnover would be insufficient to maintain proper chemical equilibrium and sensitometric control.

. Shorter

KODAK AEROCOLOR III Negative Film 2444 • AS-116 3

C-41 Processing Cycle

FLEXICOLOR

Chemical

Developer

Bleach III

Wash

Fixer

Wash Stabilizer LF

—or— Stabilizer III

Dry As needed

If you increase the bleach and fixer times to 6:30 or longer, you can

extend the temperature range to 75 to 105°F (24 to 41°C).

†

In some processors, a lower wash-w ater temperature ma y affec t solution

temperatures in adjacent tan ks. Longer w arm-up times ma y be needed. If it affects developer temperature during processing, you may need to use a higher wash-water temperature.

‡

Rates are for first wash and a two-stage countercurrent final wash.

Double these rates for a single-stage final wash.

Use a two-stage (two-tank) countercurrent fixer, preferably with the

same time in each tank. Agitation and filtr ation in each tank are requir ed. If your processor has a single fixer tank, using in-line electrolytic desilvering will decrease the safety factor for adequate fixing.

If your squeegees are efficient enough to maintain a low fixer carryover,

you can reduce the wash time to 2:10.

Time

min:sec

(sec)

3:15 to 5:15 (195 to 315)

3:00 to 6:00 (180 to 360)

1:05

(65)

4:20

(260)

3:15

(195)

1:05

(65)

Temp

°C (°F)

38 ± 0.3

(100 ± 0.5)

38 ± 3

(100 ± 5)

24 to 41

(75 to 105)

38 ± 3

(100 ± 5)

24 to 41

(75 to 105)

24 to 41

(75 to 105)

Not over 60 (140)

†

Basic Repl

Rate (mL/ft

‡

2900

‡

2900

)

For additional information using Process C-41, see KODAK Publication Z-131, Process C-41 using KODAK FLEXICOLOR Chemicals.

Development Options to Achieve Various Contrasts

Adjust developer time/temperature per the table below to achieve a variety of contrasts. When changing processor transport speeds, be sure to adjust replenishment flow rates accordingly, to maintain desired basic replenishment rates.

Developer

AN-6

Flexicolor

Film must be completely immersed in developer. Includes immersion

time and transfer time to the next tank. Keep transfer time to 20 seconds or less.

Time

min:sec

(sec)