Film manufacturing history

[ilikecameras1010]

I'm interested in learning about the early stages of the coating/converting/manufacturing process for early film production (say before 1920 or so). I want to learn about what type of equipment was used to sensitize the first generation of flexible roll films for cinema and still use and maybe also papers before the production became automated on an enormous industrial scale.

Can anyone recommend resources (books, patents, etc) or share some knowledge about how this was done?

• One specific question I have is when did roll-to-roll slot-die coating become the standard, and what was used before it?
• How did R&D-scale coating differ from production-scale in the early days?
• What techniques and methods might be the most simple and relevant for a tinkerer in the modern age to make an attempt at replicating?

 

[Kino]

Some of what you seek can be found in this very interesting book:

Images and Enterprise: Technology and the American Photographic Industry,
1839-1925 (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology) ​

by Reese V. Jenkins (Author)

https://www.amazon.com/Images-Enterprise-Technology-Photographic-1839-1925/dp/0801835496

Used copies are very inexpensive; look around if the prices in the link are high...

 

[mshchem]

https://www.photomemorabilia.co.uk/

Amazing site.

 

[Nodda Duma]

Wall, Photographic Emulsions is another good reference.

For a tinkerer, you can start with Denise Ross’ Light Farm website, specifically the section on film coating.

 

[foc]

Have a look at this chart, it may be of some help.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Have a look at this chart, it may be of some help.

View attachment 291370

Thank you!!!!!

 

[markjwyatt]

Some of what you seek can be found in this very interesting book:

Images and Enterprise: Technology and the American Photographic Industry,
1839-1925 (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology) ​

by Reese V. Jenkins (Author)

https://www.amazon.com/Images-Enterprise-Technology-Photographic-1839-1925/dp/0801835496

Used copies are very inexpensive; look around if the prices in the link are high...

Bought a copy- $6.24 shipped incl. tax!

 

[Kino]

Bought a copy- $6.24 shipped incl. tax!

It's a really good book with a lot of obscure information; I find it fascinating.

 

[markjwyatt]

It's a really good book with a lot of obscure information; I find it fascinating.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[AgX]

Have a look at this chart, it may be of some help.

View attachment 291370

A good overview, but with some blatant faults.

 

[AgX]

I'm interested in learning about the early stages of the coating/converting/manufacturing process for early film production (say before 1920 or so). I want to learn about what type of equipment was used to sensitize the first generation of flexible roll films for cinema and still use and maybe also papers before the production became automated on an enormous industrial scale.

Can anyone recommend resources (books, patents, etc) or share some knowledge about how this was done?

• One specific question I have is when did roll-to-roll slot-die coating become the standard, and what was used before it?
• How did R&D-scale coating differ from production-scale in the early days?
• What techniques and methods might be the most simple and relevant for a tinkerer in the modern age to make an attempt at replicating?

Sometimes I post on this topic. But in general interest was so little and posts were deleted that I feel not much urge to do so.

 

[foc]

A good overview, but with some blatant faults.

Thanks for the input. Can you explain the faults please so that we can make corrections?

 

[AgX]

The author did not approach me in those years. And I have been belittled here for my input on such historic matters, that I refrain from doing so.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

The author did not approach me in those years. And I have been belittled here for my input on such historic matters, that I refrain from doing so.

agX, don't let those voices discourage you. You have an extremely valuable input to this site it is much appreciate it.