Final answer:
A retainer in film development is a chemical solution used to control the development process and enhance tonal range. It acts as a barrier, preventing full development in certain areas of the film.
Step-by-step explanation:
In film development, a retainer is a chemical solution used to slow down the development process in certain areas of a photographic film or paper. It acts as a barrier to prevent the developer solution from fully developing those areas, resulting in lighter or less intense tones.
For example, in black and white photography, a retainer can be used to selectively control the contrast by limiting the development of highlights or shadow areas. This technique is commonly used in printing processes to enhance the overall tonal range of an image and make adjustments to the final print.
Overall, the application of a retainer in film development allows photographers to have greater control over the exposure and tonality of their images.