Color. Koshofer, Gert. Farb Fotografie. Volumes 1, 2, and 3, by Gert Koshofer.

 I. Alte Verfahren. II. Moderne Verfahren. III. Lexikon der Verfahren Gerate und Materialien. Laterna Magica, 1981. A thorough and detailed history of color photography. Third volume is an encyclopedia of terminology and proper names of products, etc. Profusely illustrated. In German. Fine in hardcover with dust jackets. Heavy books that require more postage than most items in my store. Summary:

Farb Fotografie (1981) by photo historian and technologist Gert Koshofer, published by Verlag Laterna Magica, is a comprehensive three-volume technical and historical reference work on the evolution of color photography.

Key Summary & Volume Breakdown

• Volume 1 (Alte Verfahren / Old Methods): Traces the early history and pioneering technological experiments of color photography, detailing early screen and additive/subtractive processes. It covers foundational developments such as hand-coloring, Louis Ducos du Hauron's theories, Autochrome, Agfacolor Ultra, Dufaycolor, bipack/tripack systems, and early screen processes.

• Volume 2 (Moderne Verfahren / Modern Methods): Focuses on the modern chromogenic and subtractive color processes developed throughout the mid-to-late 20th century. It details the technical chemistry of color couplers, process developments (such as Kodak's E-3 and E-4), and major commercial systems including Kodachrome, Agfacolor-Neu, Kodacolor, Ferraniacolor, DuPont Color Film, and Orwochrome.

• Volume 3 (Lexikon der Verfahren, Geräte und Materialien / Encyclopedia of Processes, Equipment, and Materials): Serves as a comprehensive technical encyclopedia. It catalogs commercial color films, photographic chemistry, machinery, and proprietary technology across global manufacturers (including Kodak, Agfa, Ilford, Fuji, Polaroid, Ansco, and 3M).

• Historical Significance: Considered a landmark reference set in photographic history, Koshofer’s work blends rigorous technical chemistry with exhaustive cataloging, providing an essential resource for photo conservators, archivists, and historians studying the material evolution of color imagery.