orthochromatic

[ awr-thuh-kroh-mat-ik, -thoh-kruh- ]

adjective

, Photography.

1. representing correctly the relations of colors as found in a subject; isochromatic.
2. (of an emulsion) sensitive to all visible colors except red; isochromatic.

orthochromatic

/ ˌɔːθəʊˈkrəʊməˌtɪzəm; ˌɔːθəʊkrəʊˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. photog of or relating to an emulsion giving a rendering of relative light intensities of different colours that corresponds approximately to the colour sensitivity of the eye, esp one that is insensitive to red light Sometimes shortened toortho Compare panchromatic

Derived Forms

• orthochromatism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthochromatic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; ortho- + chromatic

Example Sentences

He had devised a solution that could keep her blue eyes from turning white on camera, a problem caused by the blue-sensitive orthochromatic film used at the time.

From New York Times

The aesthetic leaned on an orthochromatic signature, one that’s sensitive to blue light and familiar to the time period.

From Los Angeles Times

“When you’re looking at 19th century photography, skies tend to be bright while skin tones are very dark, because blue is overly sensitive in orthochromatic stock. We wanted that same texture on this film,” says Blaschke.

From Los Angeles Times

Since motion picture orthochromatic film is no longer available, the cinematographer combined black-and-white Eastman Double-X 5222 panchromatic negative and a custom short pass filter designed by Schneider Optics to detail the visual style.

From Los Angeles Times

“They have a shimmer and glow that adds another layer to the image, giving balance to the hard orthochromatic look.”

From Los Angeles Times