What is Bleach Bypass?

zekewhipper · 09-06-2014, 08:03 AM

I know that "Bleach Bypass" is a Custom Image setting, and it gives images yet another distinct look. Aside from that, it seems to be a specific term referring to something particular as I have also seen it being used by photographers shooting with other makes of cameras as well like Sony.

So what specifically is bleach bypass? Is it some carryover term from film developing or what?

Not a Number · 09-06-2014, 08:13 AM

Yes, left over from color film processing days. Bleaching would remove the silver from the emulsion during development leaving only the color dyes. Bypassing or skipping the bleach step leaves the developed silver in the emulsion and makes a black and white image with the color dyes. This increases contrast and graininess and reduces saturation in the image.

zekewhipper · 09-06-2014, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Yes, left over from color film processing days. Bleaching would remove the silver from the emulsion during development leaving only the color dyes. Bypassing or skipping the bleach step leaves the developed silver in the emulsion and makes a black and white image with the color dyes. This increases contrast and graininess and reduces saturation in the image.

Thanks for that bit of information. Does there tend to be any shooting situations where the use of bleach bypass is particularly desired or applicable. In other words, why would anyone select it for shooting?

**SoftwareArtifex** · 09-06-2014, 08:30 AM

It's not selected for shooting, it's done in post-processing.

It gives the image a dirty, gritty feel. Look at the cinematography in David Fincher's Se7en.

Adam · 09-06-2014, 08:31 AM

Originally posted by zekewhipper

Thanks for that bit of information. Does there tend to be any shooting situations where the use of bleach bypass is particularly desired or applicable. In other words, why would anyone select it for shooting?

It's certainly a cool looking effect, but I would feel sorry for anyone who accidentally set their camera to bleach bypass and then shot an entire vacation in jpeg mode

**Digitalis** · 09-06-2014, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by SoftwareArtifex

Look at the cinematography in David Fincher's Se7en.

Bleach bypass is also used in the Matrix films. They originally shot on standard stock negative film and used a Fuji transparency transfer film to apply the effect.

asp1880 · 09-06-2014, 01:50 PM

Originally posted by zekewhipper

Does there tend to be any shooting situations where the use of bleach bypass is particularly desired or applicable. In other words, why would anyone select it for shooting?

I use it sometimes to enhance a feeling of despair, hopelessness, urban decay, ominous weather, that kind of stuff.
In that respect, it's sort of the opposite of the reversal film mode.

Regards,
--Anders.

zekewhipper · 09-06-2014, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by asp1880

I use it sometimes to enhance a feeling of despair, hopelessness, urban decay, ominous weather, that kind of stuff.
In that respect, it's sort of the opposite of the reversal film mode.

Regards,
--Anders.

Ah, now that is the sort of use response I was driving at.

09-06-2014, 08:03 AM	#1
zekewhipper Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 308	What is Bleach Bypass? I know that "Bleach Bypass" is a Custom Image setting, and it gives images yet another distinct look. Aside from that, it seems to be a specific term referring to something particular as I have also seen it being used by photographers shooting with other makes of cameras as well like Sony. So what specifically is bleach bypass? Is it some carryover term from film developing or what?

09-06-2014, 08:31 AM	#5
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by zekewhipper Thanks for that bit of information. Does there tend to be any shooting situations where the use of bleach bypass is particularly desired or applicable. In other words, why would anyone select it for shooting? It's certainly a cool looking effect, but I would feel sorry for anyone who accidentally set their camera to bleach bypass and then shot an entire vacation in jpeg mode Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pets Well, what is it? What do you want from me? I am just a mere kat.	rrstuff	Post Your Photos!	6	02-17-2014 08:37 PM
K-M focus confirmation bypass	crossmr	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	9	10-27-2012 10:16 PM
What is this called & what is it for?	cheekygeek	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	11	02-06-2010 02:31 PM
quadruple bypass	Gooshin	General Talk	12	11-04-2009 09:25 AM
Post Production Q: How do I getting that bleach bypass look?	kveldalf	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	17	11-20-2008 11:58 PM

09-06-2014, 08:13 AM	#2
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Yes, left over from color film processing days. Bleaching would remove the silver from the emulsion during development leaving only the color dyes. Bypassing or skipping the bleach step leaves the developed silver in the emulsion and makes a black and white image with the color dyes. This increases contrast and graininess and reduces saturation in the image.

09-06-2014, 08:22 AM	#3
zekewhipper Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 308 Original Poster	Originally posted by Not a Number Yes, left over from color film processing days. Bleaching would remove the silver from the emulsion during development leaving only the color dyes. Bypassing or skipping the bleach step leaves the developed silver in the emulsion and makes a black and white image with the color dyes. This increases contrast and graininess and reduces saturation in the image. Thanks for that bit of information. Does there tend to be any shooting situations where the use of bleach bypass is particularly desired or applicable. In other words, why would anyone select it for shooting?

09-06-2014, 08:30 AM	#4
SoftwareArtifex Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 58	It's not selected for shooting, it's done in post-processing. It gives the image a dirty, gritty feel. Look at the cinematography in David Fincher's Se7en.

09-06-2014, 08:51 AM	#6
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	Originally posted by SoftwareArtifex Look at the cinematography in David Fincher's Se7en. Bleach bypass is also used in the Matrix films. They originally shot on standard stock negative film and used a Fuji transparency transfer film to apply the effect.

09-06-2014, 01:50 PM	#7
asp1880 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lyngby, Copenhagen Photos: Albums Posts: 742	Originally posted by zekewhipper Does there tend to be any shooting situations where the use of bleach bypass is particularly desired or applicable. In other words, why would anyone select it for shooting? I use it sometimes to enhance a feeling of despair, hopelessness, urban decay, ominous weather, that kind of stuff. In that respect, it's sort of the opposite of the reversal film mode. Regards, --Anders.

09-06-2014, 04:05 PM	#8
zekewhipper Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 308 Original Poster	Originally posted by asp1880 I use it sometimes to enhance a feeling of despair, hopelessness, urban decay, ominous weather, that kind of stuff. In that respect, it's sort of the opposite of the reversal film mode. Regards, --Anders. Ah, now that is the sort of use response I was driving at.