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Advanced Photo System

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This article is about the film format. For the related digital image sensor format named after it, see APS-C.
Advanced Photo System logo

Advanced Photo System (APS) is a film format for still photography first marketed in 1996 and discontinued in 2011. It was sold by various manufacturers under several brand names, including Eastman Kodak (Advantix), FujiFilm (Nexia), Agfa (Futura) and Konica (Centuria).

Design

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The film is 24 mm wide, and has three selectable image formats:

APS image formats[1]
Name Meaning Frame size Aspect ratio Print Crop factor
(vs. 36×24 full frame) 		Diagram of the APS-H, APS-C, and APS-P film frame sizes, in comparison to the standard 35 mm frame
APS-H, APS-C, and APS-P film frame sizes, compared to the standard 35 mm frame
H High Definition 30.2×16.7 mm (1.2×0.7 in) 16:9 4×7" 1.25
C Classic 25.1×16.7 mm (1.0×0.7 in) 3:2 4×6" 1.44
P Panoramic 30.2×9.5 mm (1.2×0.4 in) 3:1 4×11" 1.37

The "C" and "P" formats are formed by cropping the 30.2 × 16.7 mm "High Definition" image, which uses the same 16:9 aspect ratio as high-definition television. The "C" format has the same 3:2 aspect ratio as a 135 film image. Most APS cameras (with the exception of some disposable cameras) can record all three formats.

The entire "H" frame is recorded on the film for each exposure, and information is recorded on the film to instruct the photofinsher to print the format selected by the photographer; an image recorded in one aspect ratio can be reprinted in another. In addition to the frame format, the information exchange (IX) standard included with APS identifies the film cartridge with a unique six-digit serial number. Some cameras can use IX to record additional metadata, including exposure information, onto the film, either optically or magnetically.

The format selection is indicated on the film by a series of exposed squares alongside the image area (optical recording) or in a thin, transparent magnetic coating (magentic recording), depending on the camera. In the absence of an operator-specified format, the machine printing an APS roll will use these indicators to determine the output format of each print.[2][page needed]

Updated usage

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Presently the format names APS-C and APS-H are most often used in reference to various makes of digital SLR that contain imaging sensors that have approximately the same crop factor as those formats, albeit with different actual dimensions, as APS-H digital sensors have a 3:2 aspect ratio, not the 16:9 aspect ratio of the APS-H film frame. Some of the lenses originally released with the APS SLRs have survived and are now marketed towards use on "APS" digital SLRs for the same reason. In reference to digital cameras, APS may also mean active pixel sensor, a type of CMOS image sensor.

Film and cartridge

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KODAK Advantix APS film cartridge
Visual indicators on an APS cartridge; this cartridge is in state 4 (fully exposed and developed)

The film is on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) base, and is wound on a single spool, housed in a plastic cartridge 39 mm (1.5 in) long. In cross section, it resembles a squircle with varying corner radii. The basic diameter across one diagonal is 21 mm, while the basic diameter across the opposite diagonal measures 30 mm, including the corner slot where the film exits.[3] The slot is protected by a lightproof door. It is available in 40, 25 and 15 exposure lengths.

The film includes a transparent magnetic coating over the entire rear surface; information is recorded on narrow tracks near the edge of the film.[4] Each frame has four tracks: two below the frame, reserved for the camera, and two above the frame, reserved for the photofinishing equipment.[3] Some APS cameras use this coating to record exposure information via the IX system.

APS simplifies film handling by allowing the camera to wind the film automatically when loaded, and similarly by rewinding automatically after all the exposures have been taken; some cameras also can rewind partially exposed film cartridges, allowing them to be removed and used later. Numbered symbols (called 'visual indicators') on the cartridge end indicate the status of the film cartridge:[3]

  1. Full circle: Unexposed
  2. Half circle: Partly exposed
  3. Cross sign: Fully exposed but not processed
  4. Rectangle: Processed

Additionally, a tab on one end of the cartridge indicates that the cartridge has been processed. On the end opposite the visual indicators, a reflective bar code-like system is used to indicate precise film speed (at release, coded from ISO 25 to 1600), type (reversal or negative), and number of exposures; for simpler cameras, a mechanical notch indicates if the film speed is greater than or less than ISO 200.[5]: 29 

Kodak initially released its APS color print films under the Advantix brand, in ISO 100, 200, and 400 speeds;[6] in July 1996, Kodak introduced ADVANTIX 200 Professional.[4] By 2000, Kodak had introduced a monochrome print film.[7]

In 1998, Fujifilm offered color print and slide film under the established Fujichrome (ISO 100) and Fujicolor brands (ISO 100, 200, and 400) along with a new "SmartFilm" brand;[8] by 2002, Fujifilm had dropped the reversal film and was branding its APS color print film as Fujicolor Nexia, extending the range to ISO 800.[9]

Information exchange (IX)

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A major distinction of APS film is the ability to record information other than the image. This metadata information is most commonly used for print aspect ratio, but can also be used to record the date and time that the photograph was taken, store a caption, and record exposure data such as shutter speed and aperture setting. This information can be read by the photo printing equipment to determine the print aspect ratio, print information on the back (or, rarely, the front) of the photograph, or to improve print quality. The system was invented by four engineers at Kodak, who were awarded patents in 1992 and 1993 and who jointly were named the National Inventor of the Year in 1996.[10]

Two methods for storing information on the film are employed: "magnetic IX" and "optical IX". Optical IX is employed by less expensive cameras and disposable cameras, and employs a light source to expose a small section of the film, outside of the image negative area. This method is limited to determining the print aspect ratio of the finished print.[5]: 34 

Magnetic IX is used in the more expensive cameras and allows for more information exchange. Most cameras with magnetic IX automatically record the exposure date and time on tracks in the magnetic layer, outside the visible area, with more advanced models allowing the user to specify a predetermined caption to be printed on the photo or record the exposure settings, as well as determine print aspect ratio.[5]: 34  Kodak claimed that a 40-exposure roll could record more than 80 KB of data.[11] Magnetic IX reportedly caused some problems for photo processors, who found their magnetic reading heads had to be cleaned frequently, or that their equipment's ability to print this information was limited, but Kodak's testing indicated magnetic deposits were not a concern.[4]

Processing

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After the film developing process, APS film is stored in the original cartridge, unlike 135 film. For identification, every cartridge is assigned a unique nine-digit cartridge identification (CID) code and the associated strip of APS film is assigned an identical filmstrip identification (FID) code; while the CID code has nine digits, the FID code has six human-readable digits and nine machine-readable digits.[3] The six-digit FID code is printed on the cartridge label, at both ends of the processed negative, and also is stored magnetically (as a nine-digit code) in the IX layer. This FID is usually printed on the index print as well as the back of every individual print.[5]: 34  The CID/FID system was designed to be an additional convenience both for the photoprocessor, who can easily match each processed film strip and prints with its cartridge, and each cartridge to a particular customer's order, and for the consumer, who can easily locate the correct cartridge if reprints are desired.

To facilitate automatic processing of film, a unique DX number is assigned to the different types of film.

APS film is typically processed by using a small machine to transfer the exposed APS film from the original cartridge to a reloadable one, then re-attached to the original cartridge and rewound using another machine after processing. After support for APS was withdrawn in 2011, many film processors dispose of the APS cartridge and return the exposed film strip bare.

An IX240 negative strip

Cameras

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A typical low-end, fixed-focus[12] APS compact camera

The format was introduced in 1996 by Kodak, Fujifilm, Minolta, Nikon, Canon and others. APS was mainly used for point and shoot amateur cameras,[13][14] Several of the cameras at launch shared a common design, including the Fujifilm Endeavor 100 / Minolta Vectis UC / Nikon Nuvis Mini and Kodak Advantix 5600MRX / Minolta Vectis 40.[14]: 28, 30 [14]: 38, 39  The Canon ELPH drew attention for its stainless steel body and compact dimensions.[14]: 42 

Camera manufacturers and their branded lines of APS point-and-shoot cameras included:

Three SLR systems with interchangeable lenses also were released.

APS SLR cameras

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Three APS SLR systems were released as:

In addition to these interchangeable-lens models, Olympus released the Centurion, a Zoom-lens reflex camera (ZLR), similar to an SLR, but fitted with a fixed zoom lens (25~100 mm f/4.5~5.6). Fujifilm also sold the Centurion as the Endeavor 4000SL.[23][24]

APS SLR systems and cameras
Mfr. System Camera Rel. Lens mount Shutter Dimensions Weight
Canon EOS IX EOS IX[25] Oct 1996 EF 30–1⁄4000 s, B;
synch: 1⁄200 s 		132×80×59 mm (5.2×3.1×2.3 in) 485 g (17.1 oz) w/ 2×CR123A
EOS IX Lite[26] Mar 1998 30–1⁄2000 s;
synch: 1⁄125 s 		123×80×64 mm (4.8×3.1×2.5 in) 360 g (13 oz) w/out 2×CR2
Minolta Vectis S S-1[27] 1996[20] V 30–1⁄2000 s, B;
synch: 1⁄125 s 		127×76×64 mm (5×3×2.5 in) 370 g (12.9 oz) w/out 2×CR2
S-100[28] ? 30–1⁄1000 s;
synch: 1⁄90 s 		124×76×55 mm (4.9×3×2.18 in) 310 g (11.1 oz) w/out 2×CR2
Nikon Pronea 6i[29] 1996[21] F 30–1⁄4000 s, B;
synch: 1⁄180 s 		135×99×74 mm (5.3×3.9×2.9 in) 560 g (19.8 oz) w/out 2×CR123A
S[30] 1999[22] 30–1⁄2000 s, B;
synch: 1⁄125 s 		116×87×57 mm (4.6×3.4×2.2 in) 450 g (16 oz) w/out 2×CR2

Of these the Canon EOS IX and the Nikon Pronea SLRs could use existing 35 mm SLR lenses with Canon EF and Nikon F mount, respectively, whereas Minolta opted to create a new lens mount which later was shared with the Minolta Dimâge RD 3000, an early digital SLR (DSLR). Using existing lenses meant the field of view was reduced by around 1.6×, but had the advantage of a larger lens selection. Creating a new lens system on the other hand gave the possibility of creating smaller and lighter lenses as they had a smaller image circle to cover. APS SLR cameras were too expensive for the high-end amateur market when they first appeared, and professional photographers stuck with 35 mm cameras, which offered greater image quality and resolution.

Concurrently with their APS SLR film cameras, Canon and Nikon released lenses intended for use on APS film cameras - such as the Canon EF 22-55mm - which has a wider field of view to account for the relative-to-35mm crop factor. Along with the Pronea SLRs, Nikon developed the IX-Nikkor series of lenses which were lighter and had a smaller image circle, similar in concept to the Nikon DX format lenses released with the company's DSLRs, starting in 2004. Although the Nikon IX series of lenses were not compatible with the Nikon 35 mm SLR, as their long back-focus would foul the mirror, the Nikon Pronea cameras accepted lenses for Nikon 35 mm SLRs.[22]: 88 

History

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Nikon Nuvis 160i, an APS camera

Canon, Fujifilm, Kodak, Minolta, and Nikon formed a consortium to develop a new photographic system in 1991.[3] Initial testing of APS film cartridges with 40-exposure rolls started in 1994; details about the magnetic-stripe information encoding[31] and formats were provided later that year, although the prototype "Standard" frame size, at that time, was narrower than the final APS-C frame, with a 7:5 aspect ratio, 23.4×16.7 mm (0.92×0.66 in).[1] APS was announced to the photofinishing market in October 1995 and officially launched at the Photo Marketing Association show in Las Vegas in February 1996.[3]

The Advanced Photo System was an attempt at a major upgrade of photographic technology for amateurs, and accessories were made to facilitate digitization of APS film for use with computers, including a slideshow device for televisions and film scanner.[14]: 39, 40  However, APS was soon overtaken by the convenience and popularity of digital photography. Despite the added features, APS never really caught on with professional photographers because of the significantly smaller film area (58% of 135 film). Color slide film, popular with professional photographers, proved unpopular in APS format and was soon discontinued, although chromogenic black-and-white IX240 film continued to be produced. Color print film was normally available only in a limited selection of film speeds. These developments, combined with the fact that auto-loading 35mm cameras could be made almost as compact, as convenient, and as inexpensive as APS-format cameras, prevented APS from attaining greater popularity.[original research?]

APS cameras found most of their success among the consumer point and shoot camera market, but within five years of the format's launch, sales had dropped significantly. This was mainly due to the increasing quality and falling prices of digital cameras.

In January 2004, Kodak announced it was ceasing APS camera production.[32]

Both Fuji and Kodak, the last two manufacturers of APS film, discontinued production in 2011.[33][34]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Snapshots: Advanced Photo system advances". Popular Photography. October 1994. p. 8. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  2. ^ Langford, Michael (2000-08-23). Basic Photography. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-136-09653-2.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "About the Advanced Photo System". Eastman Kodak Company. Archived from the original on November 3, 1999.
  4. ^ a b c "Frequently Asked Questions: Kodak Advanced Photo System Films". Eastman Kodak Company. Archived from the original on January 22, 1997. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d Keppler, Herbert (March 1996). "Advanced Photo System". Popular Photography. pp. 28–34, 100. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Selecting the Best Film". Eastman Kodak Company. Archived from the original on January 22, 1997. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Kodak Advantix Films". Eastman Kodak Company. Archived from the original on December 2, 2000.
  8. ^ "Fujifilm APS film". Fujifilm USA. Archived from the original on January 19, 1998. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  9. ^ "24mm Advanced Photo System Films". Fujifilm USA. Archived from the original on March 17, 2002.
  10. ^ "Engineers Named National Inventors of the Year For Their Contributions To Kodak's Advanced Photo System" (Press release). Eastman Kodak Company. May 15, 1996. Archived from the original on March 19, 1997.
  11. ^ "Magnetics". Eastman Kodak Company. Archived from the original on January 22, 1997.
  12. ^ "KODAK ADVANTIX F300/1600 AUTO Camera". Kodak.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  13. ^ Richards, Dan (April 1996). "Point & Shoot: First Out of The Box: A Whole Line of APS Minoltas". Popular Photography. pp. 28–30. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  14. ^ a b c d e Richards, Dan (April 1996). "The First Advanced Photo System Wave Roars in". Popular Photography. pp. 38–42. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  15. ^ "Film Cameras - ELPH". Canon Camera Museum. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  16. ^ "Fujifilm APS cameras". Fujifilm USA. Archived from the original on February 18, 1999. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  17. ^ "24mm APS Point and Shoot Cameras". Fujifilm USA. Archived from the original on March 17, 2002.
  18. ^ "And here they come ..." Popular Photography. October 1996. pp. 40, 88. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Canon EOS IX Lite". Popular Photography. December 1999. p. 138. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  20. ^ a b Keppler, Herbert (April 1996). "SLR: Ingeniously different, delightful to use Minolta Vectis S-1 SLR goes to the top of the Advanced Photo System". Popular Photography. pp. 23–26, 163. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  21. ^ a b Keppler, Herbert (December 1996). "SLR: Can't decide whether you want a simple point-and-shoot Advanced Photo System SLR or one loaded with 'the works'? Why not have both?". Popular Photography. pp. 16, 18. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  22. ^ a b c "Test: Nikon Pronea S". Popular Photography. April 1999. pp. 84–88, 125. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  23. ^ Richards, Dan (December 1996). "Top APS point-and-shoots compared". Popular Photography. pp. 114–116. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  24. ^ Hart, Russell (September–October 1997). "Field Test: ZLR meets APS". American Photo. p. 90. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  25. ^ "Film Cameras: EOS IX E (J) / EOS IX (A) / EOS IX (E)". Canon Camera Museum. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  26. ^ "Film Cameras: EOS IX 50 (J) / EOS IX Lite (A) / EOS IX 7 (E)". Canon Camera Museum. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  27. ^ "Vectis S-1 Specifications". Minolta Corporation. Archived from the original on November 5, 2001.
  28. ^ "Vectis S-100 Specifications". Minolta Corporation. Archived from the original on August 20, 2001.
  29. ^ "Pronea 6i: Specifications". Nikon USA. Archived from the original on January 25, 2000.
  30. ^ "Pronea S Specifications". Nikon USA. Archived from the original on March 2, 2000.
  31. ^ "Snapshots: New film system in 1996". Popular Photography. August 1994. p. 18. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  32. ^ "Kodak to stop making APS, some film cameras". dpreview.com. 2004-01-13. Archived from the original on 18 October 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-03.
  33. ^ "Apusu firumu hanbai shūryō no oshirase" APSフィルム販売終了のお知らせ [Notice of the end of sale of APS film]. Fujifilm. Archived from the original on 2011-07-09.
  34. ^ "Eastman Kodak Company".
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