Abstract: A novel photographic imaging element which comprises a support, at least one photosensitive silver halide layer, and at least one layer of colorant (e.g., colloidal silver), bleachable with an oxidizing bleach in accordance with images formed in the silver halide layer. Images are formed with such elements by imagewise exposure of the photosensitive silver halide layer and conventional development of the image therein followed by imagewise bleaching the colorant layer with an oxidizing bleach to reduce the optical density in areas of the colorant layer to form an image thereon corresponding to the developed image in the silver halide layer. The combined images in the photosensitive silver halide layer and the imagewise bleached colorant layer form a composite, high quality image having high density and efficiency in the use of silver, providing a substantial reduction in silver halide coating weight over conventional, all-silver halide elements.

Abstract: A process for obtaining camera speed direct positive images which employs a photographic element comprising a film support, a layer of photosensitive silver halide, and a layer containing a colorant (e.g. colloidal silver). The silver halide layer is first imagewise exposed, and the latent image developed in the presence of a compound capable of producing sulfide ions e.g. thiourea, and then the photographic element is immersed in a chemical bleach which removes the silver image generated in the silver halide layer and removes the colorant in the areas corresponding to the exposed areas of the silver halide layer, leaving a direct positive image in those areas of the colorant-containing layer which are directly under the unexposed nonimage areas of the silver halide layer.

Abstract: A photographic developer for high contrast lithographic films comprising a conventional hydroquinone formaldehyde bisulfite developer and a crown compound (cyclic polyether) e.g. dibenzo-30-crown-10.