Ilfochrome

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Ilfochrome, (popularly known as Cibachrome) is a dye destruction positive-to-positive photographic process used for the reproduction of slides on photographic paper. The prints are made on a dimensionally stable tri-acetate polyester base, essentially a plastic base opposed to traditional paper base. Since it uses azo dyes on a polyester base, the print will not fade, discolor, or deteriorate for a long time. Characteristics of Ilfochrome prints are image clarity, color purity, more environmentally safe, as well as being an archival process able to produce critical accuracy to the original slide.

[edit] History

In the 1960s, the Cibachrome process was originally engineered by the Ciba-Geigy Corporation of Switzerland. Later on the process was purchased by Ilford and dubbed the process "Ilfochrome," and is marketed as Ilfochrome Classic. Colloquially, however the process is still referred to as "Cibachrome".

[edit] Advantages

The composition of the emulsion used in Ilfochrome prints is responsible for color purity, image clarity, being environmentally friendly, and archival. Unlike Type R processes by Kodak, Fuji, and others, Ilfochrome does not have dyes in the chemistry but rather in the emulsion. Azo dyes, which provide stable vivid colors, are embedded in the Ilfochrome emulsion are bleached out in processing. Since the dyes are in the emulsion rather than in the chemistry, the image is also much sharper and clearer because the dyes create an anti-light scattering layer which keeps the reflected image from being diffused when viewed. Although not completely environmentally safe, it is far more friendly than other processes because the toxic dyes begin in the emulsion and are removed rather than contained in disposable chemistry. As the colors formed from the azo dye is far more stable, the prints made from the process are archival and insisted on by galleries and art collectors as they will not fade in normal light.

As of 2006, Ilford continues to produce Ilfochrome Classic in front-lit products, back-lit products, micrographic film, and the required chemistry.