What was the fastest commercially available photographic film?
Asked 11/8/2013
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2 answers
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I found a reference to Polaroid 612 being ISO 20000 and wondered whether any photographic film was made faster than that. What was the highest ISO film sold commercially, and were there any known specialized films for uses like astronomy or military imaging that were faster?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
7
Other than Polaroid 612, no photographic film has been commercially produced at a higher speed than ISO 3200/36°. Konica 3200, Polaroid type 667, and Fujifilm FP-3000B were all rated at ISO 3200/36°.
The normal practice for astronomical work during the film era was to build a mount capable of tracking the sky (in actuality counteracting the Earth's rotation) smoothly enough to allow long exposures of dim objects.
As for whether the military of one of any number of technologically advanced countries ever had faster film, someone might could tell you, but then they might have to kill you!
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community answers, aside from Polaroid 612, the fastest commercially produced photographic films were generally ISO 3200. Examples mentioned include Konica 3200, Polaroid Type 667, and Fujifilm FP-3000B, all rated at ISO 3200.
For astronomy, the usual solution in the film era was not ultra-fast film, but tracking mounts that followed the sky accurately so photographers could use long exposures. That approach was more effective than relying on ever-higher film speed.
As for military or other specialized films, the provided answers do not confirm any faster examples. Specialized materials may have existed, but no verified film faster than the examples above is identified here.
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