Color & Early Processes

Base vs. Emulsion

Core Term Definition

The two main layers of a film strip: the clear plastic supporting base and the light-sensitive chemical coating.

Technical Analysis & Context

A film strip consists of two primary components. The 'base' is the thick, transparent plastic support (nitrate, acetate, or polyester). The 'emulsion' is the active, microscopic layer of light-sensitive silver halide crystals suspended in gelatin, which captures the visual photographic image during camera exposure.