Dyeline or diazo films are used for plan copying, the process is
virtually obsolete. ( in the U.K at any rate)
>It is in 17"x22" sheets. My question probably is LESS 'What is it?' but
>more 'What can I do with it?' Can it be cut down and shot in camera?
Not very practicable, the film will be too slow when exposed to actinic
light, as it is designed to be printed (exposed) under an Ultra Violet
light source.
You could try contact printing it, and developing by hanging the film in
an enclosed tank saturated with ammonia vapour. (all good fun!!)
> Can
>I use it for enlarged negs for PT/PD prints? And what about this ammonia
>developing?
I doubt if it will give a continuous tone, but it is absolutely
grainless.
Briefly the the ammonia acts as a developing agent. On exposure to UV
the Diazo compound contained in the film is decomposed by the UV. The
decomposition products react with another substance present in the film
(called a coupler) in the presence of ammonia to form a black ( or other
colour ) dye.
The process is usually carried out in a dyeline photoprinting machine.
>
>Best I can gather it was originally intended for some type of ink
>printing process which I no nothing about.
>
>Thanks in advance for your help.
>
>GS
I trust that the above is of help,
Alex.
-- Alex Nanson alec@norlex.demon.co.uk Gloucester. UK