Laser pointer shined on photographic film?

In summary, if you buy highly sensitive photographic film, like ASA 800, and shine a laser pointer on it, the photons emitted by the laser will expose the film.
  • #1
Edgewood11
33
0
What would happen if I bought highly sensitive photographic film such as ASA 800 and shined a laser pointer on it? When I get it developed will the photons that the laser emitted show up on the film?
 
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  • #2
Certainly - why wouldn't they?
 
  • #3
It would expose any ISO of film, sensitive or no.

It's light!
 
  • #4
I guess early orthochromatic films would not get exposed by red lasers.
 
  • #5
Because I'm talking about just standard film you would put in an old throw away camera. I didn't think that kind of film was that sensitive.
 
  • #6
Far too sensitive, I should say. You would be better to use cheapo black and white printing paper which is much less sensitive and you will get a much less 'blurred' result. You can then expose and develop one sheet at a time (under a safe lamp, too - so you can see how you're doing) until you get a pleasing result. Sign your name with it.
Photo graphy = writing with light
 
  • #7
Edgewood11 said:
Because I'm talking about just standard film you would put in an old throw away camera. I didn't think that kind of film was that sensitive.

:confusion: Why do you think the film would have to be particularly sensitive to be exposed by laser light? Lasers tend to be very bright, as evidenced by the fact that even the smallest of them can temporarily blind you if flashed at your eyes for a moment, and less small ones can cause permanent eye damage.
 
  • #8
Are you color blind, by any chance? I've got no idea how a red laser pointer might appear to someone without functioning red cones (protanopia), but this is the only thing I can think of that would lead to such a question.

Even relatively insensitive films have to be handled under dim (usually red) light and kept in complete darkness when not being worked with. Laser pointers are bright, that's why they're used to point things out. You should be wondering what the effects of such massive overexposure might be, not whether the film is sensitive enough.
 

FAQ: Laser pointer shined on photographic film?

What happens when a laser pointer is shined on photographic film?

When a laser pointer is shined on photographic film, the light from the laser pointer interacts with the silver halide crystals in the film, causing a reaction that creates an image on the film. This process is known as photochemical reaction and is the basis of traditional film photography.

Can a laser pointer damage photographic film?

Yes, a laser pointer can potentially damage photographic film if it is shined directly onto the film for an extended period of time. The intense light and heat from the laser can cause the film to overexpose or even melt in some cases.

What types of laser pointers are safe to use with photographic film?

In general, green laser pointers are considered safer to use with photographic film as they emit a lower intensity of light compared to red or blue laser pointers. However, it is always best to use caution and avoid shining any type of laser pointer directly onto the film.

Can a laser pointer be used to develop photographic film?

No, a laser pointer cannot be used to develop photographic film. The photochemical reaction that occurs when a laser pointer is shined on film is only a small part of the overall development process. Developing film requires a series of precise chemical reactions that cannot be replicated by a laser pointer.

Are there any alternative uses for a laser pointer with photographic film?

Yes, laser pointers can be used to create interesting light patterns and effects when shined onto photographic film. This technique, known as laser painting, can be a fun and creative way to experiment with film photography. However, care should always be taken to avoid damaging the film or exposing it to excessive light.

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