Photography is one of the most fascinating disciplines that has not ceased to interest and captivate us even as the era of the film is long gone. Have you ever had a chance to open an attic or an old drawer and find a pack of Kodak Gold film? You may have taken it to the local lab to develop those mysterious pictures that you had taken time ago. Nevertheless, when looking at the pictures, one might have a question: why does underexposed Kodak Gold film appear yellow? Isn’t it? It is in this dance of chemistry and light that there is a story to be told.
The Alchemy of Film Development
Let me say this right at the very beginning. Film development is not just a way of getting the images. Of course, it’s more complicated than that; it’s an art as much as it is a science. Listen, Kodak Gold film, just like any other, works on the principles of photography, that is, with the help of certain chemical processes. Silver halide grains that are present in the emulsion are the key players in charge of absorbing light to create that beautiful picture that we see.
Here’s the kicker: exposure is a very important factor in this process. Underexposure means the film hasn’t been exposed to enough light. So, when you decide to develop that old Kodak Gold film, some curious things may occur. An image could appear with a rather characteristic yellow colour. Interested? You should be!
The Peculiar Phenomenon of Yellow Tint
Ah, the yellowing! It’s an image that is quite similar to a yellowed old book; a sign of something, of something that was; a mark of time. In case of Kodak Gold film, this yellow cast that is observed when the film is under exposed is usually because the film has been exposed to light for a long time. The compounds used in the manufacture of the film can also break down over time and this affects the colour that is produced when developing the film.
Here’s the thing. This Kodak Gold film was popular decades ago and was widely used by many filmmakers. These were widely used for taking portraits and photographing nature since the colors that it produced were very vibrant and had a warm look. But like any other thing in this world, time goes on and film which is no different from us humans has a tendency to wear out.
The Science Behind Kodak Gold Film’s Long Life
Believe it or not, Kodak Gold film wasn’t simply designed to capture a few quality shots — it was designed to last. The black and white silver halide crystals in the emulsions are not affected easily by time. But the film can get damaged if it is not stored properly as it will be damaged by heat, humidity, and light. Don’t you think it is rather fascinating how something that is so strong can be so weak at the same time?
In fact, the main enemy here is heat, which is the worst enemy of the film. If exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time, the dye couplers in the film will be broken down. And that, my friend, is the hidden enemy in the whole yellowing process.
| Factor | Effect on Film |
|---|---|
| Heat | Breaks down dye couplers |
| Humidity | Causes chemical degradation |
| Light | Leads to fading of colors |
Preserving the Vintage Aesthetic
If you are one of the people who appreciate the film grain, the color overflow, or slightly bleached places, then yellowing of old Kodak Gold can be seen as a blessing. It may certainly create a feeling of nostalgia, the feeling of getting back to the good old days. Yet, even aficionados want to know how to stop or slow this quirky discoloration.
There exists a way of maintaining these relics of photographic history and it is through storage. Imagine a cool and a dry haven for rolls of such vintage film; a place where nothing but sunlight cannot get to.
Did you know? When it comes to film storage, manufacturers also recommend the temperature to be at 50°F or below together with the humidity at 30% – 40% ideals. Isn’t it?
Embracing the Flaws and Moving Forward
It is more and more often of the digital world where everything has to be perfect and sharp, and it is worth appreciating the imperfections. This is the charms of old films, including the yellow cast of Kodak Gold, making each photo a piece of art.
And, does every roll has that yellow coloration? It does not necessarily have to. Such surprises can be seen on different rolls of film and thus one has to admire the differences between the batches. So, enjoy the mystery!
- Keep the film rolls in a location that is cool and free from moisture.
- Do not expose the film to direct sunlight or high temperatures for a long time.
- Accept the natural process of film ageing.
The Stories Behind the Snapshots
Imagine that someone has taken some moments and kept them hidden; some years later, these are the embodiments of time. Every photograph an untold story which is longing to be told, with that yellow color adding some charm to it.
All of that encapsulated in one snap. A story to be told, all one needs is for it to be given light, isn’t that so? And this brings us to a fun thought: isn’t it magnificent how every picture is imperfect and yet a piece of art?
Fun Fact: Some modern day photographers purposefully under expose the film to get this warm yellow tone which gives a sort of vintage look. Interesting, is not it?
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FAQ
Why does old Kodak Gold film turn yellow? This is because it gets contaminated over time and this affects the colours that are formed when developing the images.
Are all old films likely to turn yellow? Not all, but many are likely to develop such discoloration depending on the storage conditions that they are kept in or the type of film that is used.
Can I avoid this yellowing? One can keep them in good condition, the best being to ensure that they are stored in cool and dry conditions.
Conclusion
Old Kodak Gold film gives a glimpse of the world where the analog photography still reigned in the art. The yellowing, or the discoloration, is the result of the passage of time and it is beautiful. For the inquisitive mind such as the one that you are, these are things that are hidden under the surface and they give much more significance to one image— a collection of stories behind the faded emulsion.
So there you have it. A shared secret with Kodak Gold film. Whether you are an old romanticist or a photographer just starting his/her journey through the past and present, every image leads you back to the very beginning. First of all, thank you for being here today and it will be great if you can check out other articles on this website.
