I thought film was dead?
Well, Kodak just announced they are re-releasing Ektachrome! Holy smokes! Who’d of thought? The initial release will just be in 35mm and Super 8 motion picture formats. It was originally released in the 1940 something, but was discontinued in 2012.
Ektachrome and Quentin Tarantino
A favorite of not only analog photographers, but even movie guys like Quentin Tarantino. Although Kodachrome was really the gold standard, it was Ektachrome that was easier to get processed and was available in faster speeds.
What speeds? Are they still going to make the “VS” version? What about larger formats? I don’t know. But I’ll just reprint the Kodak press release. It’s a little sketchy. But it does show a renewed interest by Kodak in being at the forefront of the film resurgence.
To the delight of film enthusiasts across the globe, Eastman Kodak Company today announced plans to bring back one of its most iconic film stocks. Over the next 12 months, Kodak will be working to reformulate and manufacture KODAK EKTACHROME Film for both motion picture and still photography applications. Initial availability is expected in the fourth quarter of 2017.
KODAK EKTACHROME Film has a distinctive look that was the choice for generations of cinematographers before it was discontinued in 2012. The film is known for its extremely fine grain, clean colors, great tones and contrasts.
“It is such a privilege to reintroduce KODAK EKTRACHROME Film to the cinematography community,” said Steven Overman, Kodak’s chief marketing officer and president of the Consumer and Film Division. “We are seeing a broad resurgence of excitement about capturing images on film. Kodak is committed to continuing to manufacture film as an irreplaceable medium for image creators to capture their artistic vision. We are proud to help bring back this classic.”
Produced in Rochester, NY
It will produce EKTACHROME at its film factory in Rochester, N.Y., and will market and distribute the Super 8 motion picture film version of EKTACHROME Film directly.
Kodak Alaris, an independent company since 2013, also plans to offer a still format KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film for photographers in 135-36x format. KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film is a color positive film, also known as “reversal,” “slide,” or “transparency” film. Unlike all of the other KODAK PROFESSIONAL Films available today, which are color negative films, EKTACHROME generates a positive image that can be viewed or projected once it is exposed and processed. This makes it ideal for high-resolution projection or presentations. It is also well suited for scanning and printing onto a range of professional-grade photographic media. Availability is expected in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Personally, having pumped a couple of rolls through my Nikon F4s, I’m not a big fan of this new film. The old Ektachrome was definitely warmer. However, if you love ‘cooler’, ‘bluer’ images, (like old Fuji fans), then you’ll love this film.
Things are looking up in the film world.
Kodak Press Release
This is absolutely amazing news!! But it does not help me much because I don’t shoot 35mm. But it is a very good sign nevertheless. Maybe making it available in 35mm is just baby steps. If it is successful they will most probably start making it available in medium format. Now if only they can bring back Plus-X 125–the greatest high acutance film ever made! That film was ridiculously sharp, especially souped in X-tol 1:1, but it looked better undiluted which is the best for Plus-X. KODAK, DO YOU HEAR ME, BRING BACK PLUS-X TOO!!!–Please.
Just drop an 81A filter on your lens if you like it a tad warmer! It’s now my favourite film
Yes, an 81A will do that to all color films. I should probably do a post on filters, but they’ve fallen out of favor since the advent of Photoshop. I personally use a yellow filter for all my black and white work. While filters were always a very subjective thing, I’ve always suggested everyone use at least a UV (or clear) filter for lens protection. (yes, even on digital)
Federico