Photographic Processes: 1839 – 1889
NITROCELLULOSE NEGATIVE (nitrate negative), 1889-1950
Silver-based negative on flexible plastic with gelatin as a binder to contain light sensitive materials
Nitrate negatives are manufactured in a way similar to that used for dry plate negatives except the glass support is replaced by nitrocellulose film. The flexibility of the support made roll film and movie film possible.
The nitrocellulose film is not a stable material and decomposes quickly, often cracking the emulsion. Because the film is highly flammable, nitrate negatives were no longer manufactured after 1950.