A thin negative is a historical photographic term used to describe a negative that lacks density, appearing lighter or underexposed. This can result from insufficient exposure or development, affecting the tonal range and detail captured in the image.
Photographers handling thin negatives often need to compensate during printing or scanning to bring out detail in shadows and midtones. Understanding the concept of thin negatives is important in traditional darkroom practice and archival photography, helping ensure that images are reproduced with the best possible quality.