Sensitometry is the scientific study of how photographic materials respond to exposure and development. It involves measuring and analysing the behaviour of emulsions to determine their sensitivity, tonal range, and reaction to different processing conditions.
This field is essential for establishing emulsion speeds, recommended development times, and optimal processing methods. Understanding sensitometry allows photographers, film manufacturers, and labs to achieve consistent image quality, accurate exposures, and predictable results across different photographic materials and techniques.