The structural, chemical, and photoelectronic properties are compared for three types of chemically deposited lead sulfide film. The film types differ in the use of an oxidant during the deposition. The films are grainy in structure and show a decrease in grain compaction as the concentration of the oxidant is increased. Nominal chemical composition, including the concentration of oxygen, is not significantly dependent on the use of the oxidant. Photosensitive films may be described in terms of sensitizing centers which are present only when an oxidant is used but which are not dependent solely on the presence of oxygen. The physical identification of the sensitizing centers has not been determined but may be associated with film structure.