Kodak pulls a fast one, just when you thought you’d never see film again
Analog camera photography is making a comeback. Image: AFP/dpa/Oliver Berg
Photographers and filmmakers everywhere, rejoice! Kodak’s EKTACHROME Film line, the “choice for generations of filmmakers,” is making a comeback.
On Tuesday, Eastman Kodak Company and Kodak Alaris announced that the KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film E100 and the KODAK EKTACHROME 7294 Color Reversal Film in the Super 8 format, two of Kodak’s most beloved film fan faves, are being resurrected.
As of this week, the EKTACHROME Film E100 is already on its way to distributors and stock house dealers across the world. The EKTACHROME 7294 Color Reversal Film will be available starting Oct. 1 and even more products within the line in the 16 millimeter format are coming over the next couple months.
Fans of old-school film are already tweeting their excitement:
KODAK EKTACHROME IS BACK! I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON SOME!!https://t.co/KZ1ZdgndSH#kodak #film #35mm #photography #analog
— Chris (@elchris) September 25, 2018
Also super stoked to read about the official release of Kodak’s new Ektachrome. I’m always saying I need to shoot more slide film, I can’t wait to get a few rolls of E100.
— Nick Chao (@Nick_Chao) September 25, 2018
The success of the KODAK PROFESSIONAL T-MAX P3200 Film, which was re-released in March of this year, inspired the companies to continue making retro into reality. The well-received large-grained, black and white finish led to the classic EKTACHROME resurrection, whose beta test images on social media are already flourishing and winning contests:
Congratulations to the winners of the @AnalogueWLand Summer Contest. Andy Church (and a few rolls of #Ektachrome at #Photokina https://t.co/oeBlInTG4z
— Kodak Professional (@KodakProFilmBiz) September 25, 2018
According to Kodak, both these EKTACHROME films “are daylight balances color positive films, featuring clean, vibrant colors, a neutral tone scale, and extremely fine grain” that flatter a variety of subjects from nature and landscapes, to fashion and product photography.
Film is being warmly welcomed back into the world by seasoned professionals and amateur hobbyists alike. In the generation of social media and digital imaging, the popularity of film is unexpected, nostalgic, and captures what could be considered a more authentic beauty. JB
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