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The ricoh FF-3 AF Super, an automatic point-and-shoot camera from 1982, symbolizes this shift, allowing for auto-loading and ease of use, though it still required manual film speed settings. Then came DX encoding in 1983, a significant development that revolutionized film handling for both photographers and developers.
DX Encoding Explained
DX encoding introduced several features to enhance the film experience. The system utilized a barcode on film cassettes to identify the specific emulsion within, allowing automatic determination of developing times. This ensured that the film didn’t undergo inappropriate processing.