Low-sensitivity photographic film stock designed specifically for producing projection prints from camera negatives or intermediates – features high contrast, fine grain, and optimized color characteristics for theatrical presentation, with different stocks for different projection requirements.
What is Print Film?
Print Film (Kopierfilm) is a specialized film stock for the creation of projection prints. This positive film is copied from the original negative or an internegative and is the material that is projected in cinemas.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Positive stock |
| Sensitivity | Very low |
| Contrast | High |
| Purpose | Projection |
Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO | Approx. 3-6 |
| Grain | Very fine |
| Resolution | High |
| Color Reproduction | Optimized for screen |
Print vs. Camera Film
| Aspect | Print Film | Camera Film |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Very low | High |
| Exposure Time | Contact/Optical | Real-Time |
| Contrast | High | Variable |
| Use | Copying | Recording |
Types of Print Film
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Color Print | Color release prints |
| B&W Print | Black and white prints |
| Soundtrack Print | With soundtrack area |
| Archive Print | Long-term storage |
Kodak Print Stocks
| Stock | Description |
|---|---|
| Vision Premier | Flagship |
| 2383 | Standard Color Print |
| 2302 | Fine Grain |
| Discontinued | Many discontinued |
Fuji Print Stocks
| Stock | Description |
|---|---|
| Eterna-CP | Cinema Print |
| F-CP | Standard |
| Archive | Archiving |
| Status | Production discontinued |
Printing Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Timing | Color correction |
| Printing | Contact or optical |
| Development | ECN-2 (Negative) / ECP (Print) |
| QC | Quality control |
Printing Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Printing | Film on film |
| Optical Printing | With lens |
| Wet Gate | With fluid |
| Dry Gate | Standard |
Answer Print
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | First corrected print |
| Purpose | Approval check |
| Corrections | Timing adjustments |
| Approval | By director/DoP |
Release Print
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Projection print |
| Quantity | For theatrical release |
| Quality | Production standard |
| Distribution | To cinemas |
Check Print
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Test print |
| Purpose | Quality control |
| Timing | During production |
| Use | Before mass production |
Soundtrack on Print
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Optical Track | Analog light track |
| Dolby Digital | Between perforations |
| DTS | Timecode reference |
| SDDS | Outer edges |
Handling
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Storage | Cool, dry |
| Projection | Clean projector |
| Inspection | Regularly |
| Repair | If damaged |
Wear and Tear
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Screenings | Scratches, abrasion |
| Splicewear | Splice points |
| Projector Damage | Tears, burn marks |
| Lifespan | Limited screenings |
Cost Factors
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Raw Stock | Film material |
| Printing | Copying process |
| Distribution | Shipping |
| Quantity | Per print |
Print Quantities (Historical)
| Release | Typical Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wide Release | 3,000-4,000+ prints |
| Limited | 500-1,000 |
| Arthouse | 50-200 |
| Festival | 1-5 |
Digital Replacement
| Aspect | Change |
|---|---|
| DCP | Replaces print |
| Distribution | Hard drive instead of film |
| Cost | Significantly lower |
| Quality | Consistent |
Today
Print film has been almost completely replaced by digital projection (DCP). Only a few cinemas still project 35mm prints, mainly for retrospectives, film archives, and enthusiast screenings. The production of print film has largely been discontinued by major manufacturers, with only specialized labs still producing prints for archives and restorations.