ISO 10977-1993 PDF

Full title and description

Photography — Processed photographic colour films and paper prints — Methods for measuring image stability. This International Standard describes test equipment, test procedures and analytical methods for predicting long-term dark‑storage stability of colour photographic images (using the Arrhenius approach) and for measuring colour stability of processed colour films and paper prints when exposed to specified illuminants, temperatures and relative humidities. The standard sets methods but does not specify acceptance limits.

Abstract

ISO 10977:1993 defines laboratory methods for accelerated and real‑time assessment of the colour stability of processed chromogenic and other dye‑based photographic films and paper prints. It covers sample conditioning, controlled light and environmental exposures, instrumentation and procedures for measuring colour change, and analytical approaches (including Arrhenius extrapolation) to estimate long‑term dark storage behaviour. The standard is procedural only and does not prescribe pass/fail criteria.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (superseded).
• Publication date: February 1993 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.040.20 (Photographic paper, films and plates; imaging technology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1993).
• Number of pages: 30 pages (original ISO publication).

Scope

Specifies methods for: (a) predicting long‑term dark storage stability of colour photographic images by accelerated thermal ageing and Arrhenius analysis; and (b) measuring colour stability under defined light exposures at specified temperature and relative humidity. Applicable to traditional continuous‑tone dye‑based photographic materials (chromogenic, silver dye‑bleach, dye transfer, dye‑diffusion‑transfer instant systems). Excludes specification of acceptability limits and is not intended for many non‑dye imaging technologies unless validated for those processes.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for image stability testing and ageing.
• Sample preparation, conditioning and handling prior to test.
• Accelerated thermal (dark) ageing procedures and use of the Arrhenius method to estimate shelf life.
• Lightfastness testing: defined illuminants, exposures, temperature and relative‑humidity control.
• Measurement techniques: spectrophotometry, densitometry and colour difference evaluation (ΔE/colour coordinates).
• Data analysis: calculation of colour change rates, extrapolation methods, reporting of uncertainties.
• Requirements for test equipment calibration, environmental control and documentation of test conditions and results.
• Statement that no numerical limits of acceptability are specified—users define criteria appropriate to application.

Typical use and users

Used by photographic material manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, archives and conservation departments, imaging R&D groups, and quality engineers who need standardized procedures to compare image stability, perform shelf‑life projections, or document product behaviour under controlled light and environmental exposures. Also used by standards committees and libraries establishing preservation protocols.

Related standards

ISO 10977:1993 was superseded by ISO 18909 (first issued 2006 and later revised, with a current edition published in 2022). Other related documents in the ISO 189xx family cover complementary test methods and digital printing stability (for example, ISO 18936, ISO 18941, ISO 18946, ISO 18949 and the ISO 18937 series for light stability tests) and general photographic material standards prepared under ISO/TC 42 (Imaging systems and photographic materials).

Keywords

image stability, colour stability, photographic film, colour prints, Arrhenius, accelerated ageing, lightfastness, colourimetry, spectrophotometer, densitometer, archival testing, ISO/TC 42

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10977:1993 is an ISO test methods standard for measuring and predicting the colour stability of processed photographic colour films and paper prints under dark storage and defined light exposure conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, controlled environmental and light‑exposure procedures, measurement techniques (colourimetry/densitometry), and analytical methods—including use of the Arrhenius approach—to estimate long‑term dark storage stability. It does not set pass/fail criteria.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Photographic material manufacturers, test laboratories, archivists, conservators, imaging researchers and quality assurance teams who require standardized, repeatable methods for assessing image permanence and comparing materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10977:1993 has been withdrawn and was superseded by ISO 18909 (2006), which in turn has a later revision (ISO 18909:2022). Users should refer to the current ISO 18909 edition for up‑to‑date procedures and any changes since the 1993 text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It belongs to the family of photographic/image stability and preservation standards prepared under ISO/TC 42 and is related to other ISO 189xx standards that address dark and light stability testing, digital‑print stability, and related measurement methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Image stability, colour stability, Arrhenius, accelerated ageing, lightfastness, colourimetry, spectrophotometry, photographic film, prints, archival testing.