Wikipedia

Draft:Dehancer

Dehancer
Developer(s)Dehancer LLC
Initial release2017
Stable release
Dehancer OFX 7.2.1 / Aug 22, 2024
Written inC++
Operating systemmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS
Websitedehancer.com/features

Dehancer is a suite of color grading software products that specialize in film emulation. It achieves this by digitally replicating the stages of analog image processing.

History

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By the mid-2010s, working with real film became increasingly challenging as laboratories grew scarce. The photographic film industry faced difficulties due to rising prices and the surging popularity of digital cameras. Processing and printing images from analog media became economically unsustainable. Consequently, film handling evolved into a specialized pursuit, primarily for film studios and enthusiasts.[1][2]

Dehancer has incorporated key concepts from earlier Photoshop actions[3] and applications[4] designed for image processing and the addition of various film simulation effects.

The company has developed its own engineering software for creating film profiles. This process involved extensive experimentation, including photographing color targets on film, developing the film, optically printing the images on both black-and-white and color photographic paper, and subsequently scanning the results.

The main goal was to imbue images with the look and aesthetics of real film, complete with all its characteristics - grain, bloom, halation, contrast etc.

The software is available as a plugin for photo[5] and video editors[6][7] and as a mobile application for smartphones.[8][9]

Technology

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Film grain example

In Dehancer, film emulation is based on the principle of interpreting the image as consisting of grains, similar to real film where the image is stored in a layer of photographic emulsion. This approach allows the software to more accurately replicate the characteristics and aesthetics of analog film in digital images.

When photographing with real film, silver halide crystals react to light, either darkening or leaving parts of the image light. Different grain sizes, reflections from the camera or the film itself, and other artifacts — all contribute to a distinct film aesthetic that is unique and unmistakable.

Dehancer's approach involves breaking down the processed image into grains and then reconstructing it according to the selected film profile, based on a microcontrast map.

SREDA film laboratory[10] was selected for conducting the research. This laboratory specialized in processing, cutting, and repackaging photographic film (their own SFL brand) and possessed all the necessary equipment and specialists to support exotic processes.[11]

To achieve authenticity, film scanners were not utilized; instead, direct optical printing onto analog media was employed. The film was shot in three variations — normal exposure, underexposed and overexposed — to fully replicate the conditions of film. This is the only method to accurately interpret the negative and achieve the color rendition intended by the film manufacturer.[12]

To create specific profiles, the characteristics of historical films, such as Kodak Portra 160 or Agfa Agfacolor 100, were examined, and models were developed.

The adoption of presets has grown increasingly popular as film production diminishes and the cost of maintaining analog equipment escalates.[13]

Dehancer Online

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Dehancer Online is a simplified web-based version of the main Dehancer software. It provides users with a streamlined interface for applying film emulation effects to digital images.

  • Users can choose from a variety of film presets and image options based on print proofs.[14]
  • The application offers quick options for modifying brightness, contrast, and exposure.
  • Users can apply simplified versions of film effects such as grain, halation, and bloom.
  • Dehancer Online runs in a web browser, requiring only a stable internet connection.

This web-based tool makes Dehancer's core functionality more accessible to users who may not have access to or need for the full desktop version, while still providing the essence of film emulation capabilities.

Media produced using

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Gareth Bevan Is the price of 35mm film killing the film photography revival? // December 07, 2022
  2. ^ Jaron Schneider Fujifilm to Hike Film Prices by Up to 60% in April 2022: Report // March 30, 2022
  3. ^ Degradr official site // August 19, 2015, archived at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Degradr - Smart live-view camera with automatic color correction // Frameway LP, March 18, 2019
  5. ^ Todd Dominey Dehancer Photo review: digitally emulating the look of film // April 17, 2022
  6. ^ Daniel Grindrod Dehancer Pro for DaVinci Resolve - Review // December 30, 2021
  7. ^ Thomas Richter Filmsimulationstool Dehancer Film Pro ab sofort auch als Beta für Final Cut Pro // Slashcam.de, August 2, 2022
  8. ^ Feroz Khan An easy way to get your favorite film look – Dehancer Film review // The Phoblographer, July 7, 2022
  9. ^ Robin Férand A New Kind Of Film Emulation Plugin: Dehancer Pro for DaVinci Resolve — review // Novenber 4, 2023
  10. ^ Stephen Dowling Is this the best film packaging on the planet? // Kosmofoto.com, January 11, 2019
  11. ^ Kiersten Miller Into the heart of SREDA Film Lab // Emulsive, May 22, 2019
  12. ^ How we build film profiles // Dehancer, May 13, 2020
  13. ^ Stan Horaczek Best film emulation presets for your digital photos in 2023 // PopPhoto, August 12, 2021
  14. ^ Lisa Marie Segarra. Dehancer Online Ditches Apps and Plugins, Uses Your Web Browser Instead // Petapixel, May 9, 2024
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Further reading

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