Sheet Film

Sheet film is a type of film typically used in medium and large format applications, where instead of rolling through a line of 35mm film the photographer will use separate sheets of film to catch the exposure. Sheet film can range in size from literally anything bigger than 35mm to gigantic proportions of 20”x24”, with the most commonly used size being 4”x5”.

Each piece of sheet film is on acetate or polyester film base as opposed to a roll of film. It was initially created as an alternative to glass plates. 8 x 10 sheet film is often used for portraits in photography studios, since this is the most popular size chosen for prints by families for framing in the home.

In order to use sheet film, the photographer must place it with the emulsion side out into a holder, and this part of the process must be completed in a dark space. Then, a dark slide is closed over the film, and the holder is inserted into the large (or medium) format camera, at which time the slide is removed. The exposure is completed, the slide is replaced, and the film holder is removed so that the film can be developed and the next sheet can be inserted.

Most photographers will have their own dark room and will process their own film development with sheet film. Few of the “one-hour” processing centers have the ability to do so, and most cannot even get such prints developed in an outside lab. More important than this, however, is proper sheet film storage procedures. Since this film is not protected by a casing like roll film, it is essential that the film is never exposed to white light. Sheet film should be stored in a dark room or other dark location and should not be removed unless in the protective covering of a holder and dark slide.

In looking to purchase sheet film, you’ll find that there are a few major brands available in competition. Ilford sheet film is quite popular, with the company having been founded in 1879 as Britannia Works and becoming Ilford Limited in 1902. The company has been manufacturing all sorts of film and camera supplies for years, with sheet film being just one quality product. Rollei sheet film is also quite commonly used. A German company founded in 1920 this brand name is a well established manufacturer of sheet film and other optical goods, especially sheet film for medium format cameras.