Abstract

Instant photography began in 1947 with a one-step print process providing a finished photograph within a minute after exposure. Outwardly dry processing under ambient conditions is initiated within the camera upon release of reagent from a sealed pod that is provided as part of the film unit. Instant color photography was introduced in 1963. Integral print films, introduced in 1972, retain the developed photosensitive layers concealed within the print. Instant film configurations also include print and transparency processing independent of the camera. Subtractive instant color processes use dye developers and dye-release compounds to generate images comprising preformed dyes. Additive instant color transparencies comprise microscopic black-and-white silver images formed by exposure of a panchromatic emulsion layer through an integral color screen. The chemistry of the various systems is discussed. Instant color films are utilized in many professional fields.