[Leica] Glow look, was grainy developer film look

["Anderson, Ferrel E" <AndersonF@ria.army.mil>]

The "glow" in old photographs can be attributed to the use of uncoated lenses
and film sensitive to only blue light.  Uncoated lenses have flare, which
results in more open shadows and glow (i.e., flare) around highlights..  Blue
sensitive only film is sensitive to the blue light that is present in the shadow
areas from reflection of blue light scattered about from the sky.  Ansel Adams
discusses this in one of his books, probably the one on the negative.  One of
his example pictures is of a forest, and the difference from a picture taken
with panchromatic film is very apparent.  I prefer the one taken with the blue
sensitive only film.  You can simulate this look with a blue filter and pan
film.  An article in Leica Photography a couple of years ago featured an English
photographer that uses only uncoated Leica screw mount lenses because he liked
the "glow".

Ferrel Anderson