AS-202

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 is a EXPOSURE
panchromatic, black-and-white negative aerial film having Aerial film speeds (ISO A or EAFS) should not be confused
extended red sensitivity and medium speed. This film has with conventional film speeds which are designed for roll
fine grain and relatively high contrast and is intended for and sheet films used in pictorial photography. The
medium- to high-altitude reconnaissance. characteristics of aerial scenes differ markedly from those of
Its ESTAR Thin Base provides flexibility, moisture ordinary pictorial or ground scenes because of the smaller
resistance, high tear resistance, and excellent dimensional range in subject luminances, atmospheric haze conditions,
stability. This film has a dyed-gel backing for antihalation and other factors. Therefore, different film-speed parameters
protection and curl control and a thin, highly hardened are used to relate aerial-scene characteristics to practical
emulsion to permit more rapid processing at elevated exposure recommendations. The KODAK Aerial Exposure
temperatures in modern continuous-processing machines. Computer, KODAK Publication AS-10 has been published
This film was designed for processing in based on the aerial film speed criterion.
continuous-processing machines such as the KODAK Nominal speed, daylight (no filter): EAFS or ISO A 200
VERSAMAT Film Processor, Model 11 or 1140, with
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals and KODAK Other suggested aerial film speeds for processing these
VERSAMAT 641 Chemicals. films in the KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor, Models
11 or 1140, using VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals and 641
Chemicals can be found in the sensitometric data tables.
APPLICATIONS Note: The aerial film speeds given in this publication were
KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 is intended for obtained by rounding the calculated values to the nearest
general use in reconnaissance aerial photography at medium cube root of 2 step (equivalent to 1⁄3 stop).
to high altitudes.
Filters
BASE KODAK PROFESSIONAL WRATTEN Gelatin Filter
2.5-mil (0.06 mm) ESTAR Thin Base with dyed-gel backing No. 12 No. 25
Filter Factor 2 4
TOTAL FILM THICKNESS
Typical Camera Exposure
The nominal total thickness (unprocessed) of this film is 3.00
A typical exposure for this film is approximately 1⁄500
mils (0.076 mm). This includes emulsion—0.30 mil (0.008
second at f⁄8. This exposure is based on a solar altitude of 20
mm), base—2.5 mils (0.063 mm), and dyed-gel backing—
degrees, a clear day, and an aircraft altitude of 10,000 feet.
0.20 mil (0.005 mm).
When using an aerial camera equipped with an
antivignetting filter, or other filter, it is important to increase
WEIGHT this typical exposure by the filter factor of the filter used.
The weight of 3404 Film (unprocessed), conditioned in
equilibrium with 50 percent relative humidity, is 0.022 lbs⁄ft2 Reciprocity Characteristics
(0.0099 kg⁄ft2). No exposure or development time adjustments are required
for exposure times from 1,000 second to 1⁄100 second. At
1⁄10,000 second, adjust the lens aperture by +1⁄2 stop and
SPECTRAL SENSITIVITY decrease the development time by 10 percent. At 1⁄10
Panchromatic, with extended red sensitivity. second, adjust the lens aperture by +1⁄2 stop.

SAFELIGHT
Total darkness is required.

©Eastman Kodak Company, 2005

IMAGE STRUCTURE PROCESSING
The following data are based on processing in a KODAK KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 can be
VERSAMAT Film Processor using KODAK VERSAMAT processed in the KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor,
Chemicals. Model 11 or 1140 with KODAK VERSAMAT 885
Chemicals or KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Chemicals.
Resolving Power (line pairs/mm) Mechanized processing in roller-transport processors
rms Granularity1
TOC 1.6:1 TOC 1000:1 offers the advantages of uniform treatment of all portions of
55 130 20 the roll, freedom from banding, and absence of significant
1Granularity
values read at a net diffuse density of 1.0 with a
density variations from ends of the roll to the center. Refer to
48-micrometre aperture. the operator’s manual for the processor set-up information,
but in all cases, the fixer replenisher should be introduced
into tank No. 5 of the processor with a countercurrent flow
STORAGE to tank No. 3, where it overflows to a collection or recovery
For consistent results, all aerial films should be stored under system.
fairly constant conditions. Kodak aerial films are “usually” General instructions for setting the machine dryer
packaged in equilibrium with 40 to 50 percent relative temperature are included in these pages. However, the
humidity. High temperatures or high humidity may produce temperature of the dryer may require some further
undesirable changes in the film. adjustment, depending upon the ambient temperature
conditions in the processing area. Usually it is best to set the
Unexposed Film temperature approximately 3°F (2°C) above that required to
Store unexposed film in a refrigerator at 55°F (13°C) or dry unexposed, processed film.
lower, or freezer at 0 to -10°F (-18 to -23°C), in the original
sealed container. If the film is stored in a refrigerator, remove Chemicals
it about 2 hours before opening; if stored in a freezer, remove The following KODAK VERSAMAT Chemicals may be
it about 8 hours before opening. A sufficient warm-up time used in both the Model 11 and Model 1140 VERSAMAT
is necessary to prevent moisture condensation on cold film -- Processors.
otherwise, moisture spotting, ferrotyping, or sticking may KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Developer Starter
occur.
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Developer Replenisher
Exposed Film KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Fixer and Replenisher
Keep exposed film cool and dry. Process the film as soon as KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Developer Starter
possible after exposure to avoid undesirable changes in the
KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Developer Replenisher
latent image. If it is necessary to hold exposed but
unprocessed film for several days (such as over a weekend), KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Fixer and Replenisher
it should be resealed and refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower.
Before unsealing and processing exposed film that has been Notice: Observe precautionary information on product labels and
Material Safety Data Sheets.
held in cold storage, follow the warm-up procedures
described for unexposed film described above.
Replenishment Rates
Basic developer and fixer replenishment rates, in millilitres
Processed Film per square inch of film processed, vary depending upon the
For best keeping, store processed film in a dark, dust-free type of chemicals used. The following rates apply to
area at 50 to 70°F (10 to 21°C) and 30 to 50 percent relative processing in the VERSAMAT Processor, Models 11 and
humidity. Preferably, store negatives on the spool or in 1140.
individual KODAK Sleeves. High relative humidity
promotes the growth of mold and causes ferrotyping. Very Basic Replenishment Rates (mL/in2)
low relative humidity causes excessive curl and brittleness. KODAK VERSAMAT Chemicals
Avoid storage temperatures over 80°F (27°C). 885 641
Developer 0.22 0.22
Fixer 0.20 0.30

2 KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 • AS-202

Processing Sequence Sensitometric Data

KODAK VERSAMAT Processor, Model 11 KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals, Model 1140
(all recommended chemicals) 1 Developer Rack 2 Developer Racks
Machine
Processing No. of Path Speed Average Average
Temperature ISO A D-min ISO A D-min
Step Racks Length (fpm) Gamma Gamma
1.2 or 2.4 m 85 ± 0.5°F 99°F (37°C)
Develop 1 or 2
(4 or 8 ft) (29.5 ± 0.3°C)
10 1.50 200 0.10 1.65 250 0.27
3.6 m
Fix 3 85°F (29.5°C), nominal 20 0.90 125 0.07 1.60 200 0.11
(12 ft)
2.4 m 2 to 6°F (1 to 3°C) below 30 0.65 80 0.06 1.15 160 0.08
Wash 2
(8 ft) developer temperature 40 0.55 50 0.07 0.90 125 0.07
2.4 m 104°F (40°C)
Dry — 135 to 145°F (57 to 63°C)
(8 ft)
10 1.60 200 0.12 — — —
Sensitometric Data 20 0.95 160 0.08 1.70 200 0.19
30 0.75 100 0.07 1.45 200 0.13
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals, Model 11 40 0.60 80 0.08 1.10 160 0.19
Machine 1 Developer Rack 2 Developer Racks
Fixing: Adequate fixing is obtained at machine speeds up
Speed Average Average
(fpm) Gamma
ISO A D-min
Gamma
ISO A D-min to and including 30 feet per minute.
85°F (29.5°C) Washing: LE-100 keeping quality may be obtained at all
5 1.70 200 0.10 1.70 250 0.25 practical machine speeds. (LE = Life Expectancy)
10 1.05 125 0.07 1.65 200 0.10 Drying: Adequate drying is obtained at machine speeds
15 0.80 100 0.06 1.40 160 0.08 up to and including 35 feet per minute.
20 0.65 64 0.06 1.15 160 0.07
25 0.70 50 0.07 0.95 125 0.06 KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Chemicals, Model 1140
Machine 1 Developer Rack 2 Developer Racks
Speed Average Average
KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Chemicals, Model 11 (fpm) ISO A D-min ISO A D-min
Gamma Gamma
Machine 1 Developer Rack 2 Developer Racks
99°F (37°C)
Speed Average Average
(fpm) ISO A D-min ISO A D-min 10 1.10 160 0.06 1.70 250 0.07
Gamma Gamma
85°F (29.5°C) 104°F (40°C)

5 1.20 125 0.06 1.70 200 0.06 10 1.35 160 0.06 1.70 250 0.08

10 — — — 1.25 125 0.06

REWIND OR SPIRAL REEL PROCESSING
Processing Sequence Conventional rewind equipment is not recommended for
processing this film because of the physical characteristics of
KODAK VERSAMAT Processor, Model 1140
(all recommended chemicals) the ESTAR Thin Base.
Processing No. of Path
Temperature
Step Racks Length
1.2 or 2.4 m 99 or 104 ± 0.5°F
Develop 1 or 2
(4 or 8 ft) (37 or 40 ± 0.3°C)
3.6 m 99 or 104°F
Fix 3
(12 ft) (37 or 40°C), nominal
2.4 m 2 to 6°F (1 to 3°C) below
Wash 2
(8 ft) developer temperature
2.4 m Up to 149°F (65°C)
Dry —
(8 ft)

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 • AS-202 3

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY CURVES
The dimensional stability of aerial films is of particular Spectral Sensitivity
interest and importance in accurate mapping and in the
reproduction of maps. 2.0
Dimensional stability is an all-inclusive term. In D = 0.3 above gross fog
photography, it applies to size changes caused by changes in
1.0

Log Sensitivity*
humidity and in temperature, and by processing and aging.
The absence of solvent in ESTAR Base is one of the reasons D = 1.0 above gross fog
why ESTAR Base films show excellent dimensional 0.0
stability. The dimensional properties of ESTAR Base may
Exposure: 1.4 seconds
vary slightly in different directions within a sheet; the Process: Recommended
1.0 Densitometry: Diffuse visual
differences that may exist, however, are not always between
the length and width directions.
2.0
400 500 600 700 800
Temporary Dimensional Changes
Wavelength (nm)
Thermal Coefficient of Linear Expansion:
0.001% per degree F of change
Characteristic Curves
0.0018% per degree C of change

4.0
Exposure: Daylight 1/100 sec
Humidity Coefficient of Linear Expansion (Unprocessed): Process: KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals;
KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor, Model 11;
0.0035% per 1% change in relative humidity 2 developer racks; 85 °F (29.5 °C)
Densitometry: Diffuse visual
3.0
Permanent Dimensional Changes
Density
Processing Dimensional Change: 5 fpm
-0.04% to +0.03% shrinkage to swell 2.0 10 fpm
15 fpm
20 fpm
Aging Shrinkage of Processed Film:
25 fpm
0.08% 1 week at 120°F (49°C), 20% RH 1.0
0.04% 1 year at 78°F (25.5°C), 60% RH

0.0
–4 –3 -2 -1 0
Log Exposure (lux seconds)

4 KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 • AS-202

 ISO A vs. Gamma ISO A vs. Machine Speed

270
1 developer rack, 99F (37C)
2 developer racks, 99F (37C)
250
1 developer rack, 104F (40C)
1000 2 developer racks, 104F (40C)
230

210

Aerial Film Speed (ISO A)

Aerial Film Speed (ISO A)

190
V-11,641
170
100 V-1140,885 Exposure: Daylight 1/100 sec
Process: KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor, 150
V-11,885 Model 11;
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals;
KODAK VERSAMAT 641 Chemicals; 130
1 and 2 developer racks
KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor, 110
Model 1140;
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals;
1 and 2 developer racks 90 Daylight 1/100 seconds;
10 KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor,
0 1 2 3 70 MODEL 1140;
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals
GAMMA
50
0 10 20 30 40 50
F002_1110AC Machine Speed (fpm)

Gamma vs. Machine Speed Modulation Transfer Function

4
Daylight 1/100 second;
200
KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor,
MODEL 1140
KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals 100
99F (37C) and 104F (40C)
70
3 1 developer rack, 99F (37C) 50
2 developer racks, 99F (37C)
1 developer rack, 104F (40C) 30
RESPONSE (%)

2 developer racks, 104F (40C)

20
Gamma

2 10
7
5

3 KODAK VERSAMAT 885 Chemicals

1 KODAK VERSAMAT Film Processor,
2 2 racks, 85F (29.5C), 15 fpm

1
1 2 3 4 5 10 20 50 100 200 600
SPATIAL FREQUENCY (cycles/mm)
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
F002_1119AC F002_1099AC
Machine Speed (fpm)

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 • AS-202 5

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404

SIZE DATA AND ORDERING

INFORMATION
Information on available sizes and minimum order
quantities of this film is available on the web at
www.kodak.com/go/aerial. You can also write or call:
Aerial Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester, New York 14650-0505
(585) 724-4688
Toll-free in the US: (877) 909-4280
Note: The Kodak materials described in this publication
used with KODAK PLUS-X AEROGRAPHIC Film 2402
are available from those dealers normally supplying Kodak
products. Other materials may be used, but equivalent results
may not be obtained.

NOTICE: While the sensitometric data in this publication are typical of production coatings, they do not represent
standards which must be met by Kodak. Varying storage, exposure, and processing conditions will affect results.
The company reserves the right to change and improve product characteristics at any time.

Aerial Imaging
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY • ROCHESTER, NY 14650-0505

KODAK PLUS-X AERECON II Film 3404 Kodak, Aerecon, Estar, Versamat, Plus-X, and Wratten are trademarks. Revised 11-05
KODAK Publication No. AS-202 Printed in U.S.A.
TI1669