push processing?

[Mikko]

What does "push processing" mean??
Thanks

M

[eddie]

when a lab push processes some film they leave it in the developing solution for longer.
This has the effect of increasing the ASA of the film, or is almost equivalent to if you filmed with the aperture a couple of stops open further than you actually did. (it brings out details that wouldnt normally come out.) But I think it makes the result quite grainy.
So, for example, you could possibly shoot 200 ASA film. Your lightmeter says use an fstop of 2, but if you use an fstop of 4, and push process the film, then the picture should come out.
Ive never tried it, but Id like to.

[Nigel]

Eddie you are correct in what you say. I suggest however not to push Super8 more than one stop. Tri-X at 400 ASA is really grainy and high contrast. I have noticed that when I push my film its contrast is not that nice. I have never pushed color film but have know people who have and I don't think it looks that good. Good Luck

[Actor]

Push processing does consist of developing the film longer in order to increase the effective film speed. However, it goes beyond that. As has been noted it also effects the contrast. It is used by many photographers as a means of controling contrast. Exposure (shutter speed and aperture) controls brightness and development time (push-pull) controls contrast. This technique was developed by Ansel Adams and is called The Zone System in case you want to go to the library and look it up.

Color films do not push process well because the various dyes develop at different rates, thus pushing upsets the color balance. Kodak does make some color films that can be pushed but they are all for 35mm still cameras. I know no color movie film that can be pushed.

BTW, the opposite process, pulling the film by underdeveloping it, is sometimes used to decrease grain. Thus, if you have enough light, you could use Kodak Plus-X (ASA 50 in sunlight), overexpose it one stop, then have the lab pull it one stop and get less grain. Be sure the lab knows you want to PULL, not PUSH the film.

[teuchter_london]

Fantastic. The simplest description I have ever read. Now I understand!