The Future of Kodak Film

So if you've been following the news in recent months, Kodak is going through bankruptcy. The idea of bankruptcy is that people come into the company and figure out if it can be made profitable again.

Prior to declaring bankruptcy, Kodak discontinued all of their E6 slide film production. A few weeks later it was announced that film was actually profitable and would remain an option. However a few days ago, they came out and stated that the film division is up for sale.

So who knows - maybe they were trying to make it look profitable to increase value for a potential sale... Its anyone's guess. The bottom line is if you use Kodak film and or chemicals - the writing is on the wall.

It would be nice to see Ilford or Fuji buy the emulsions and chemicals and continue to produce under their own brand, but don't hold your breath.

My best advice is one of the following:

1) Stockpile anything you want now and put the film in your freezer.

2) Move to using another company. The future of Kodak film is certainly in danger one way or another.

Film is still up in the air.

[BrianMarcWhittaker]

In 2016 what is the update with Kodak?

[cepwin]

It is pretty sad but the average shooter who bought Kodak film is now digital. You are right that film in this day and age is a "niche" market. I hope ilford ends up buying at the very least Kodak's film patents so they can make some of their classic films. Since their B/W films have a great reputation they should probably focus on the ektochrome and porta patents as there really isn't as many options in that area.

[theforgecustoms]

i tried 17 year old kodak TMX bw stock which wasn't cooled in any way for that time. developped it with amoloco. wonderfull rendition still. looked brand new. only thing i noticed is that the film wouldn't straighten out as good as fresh film. wonderfull contrast still. 5 year old colour stuff works just fine as well.

[andydeltaco]

I've heard rumors on several forums that Ilford is considering purchasing the Tri-X line.

I have no idea of the validity of it, but I have read that in a few places in the last several weeks.

[johndersham]

Hello, Freestyle is selling Legacy Pro chemicals which are Kodak formulas. They carry most current and former mixes. Good stuff. Also Adox and Foma both are great films. Thanks for you work.

[zelluloidAT]

Hey Ted, you said Fuji seems to be dicontinuing b&w films - they already discontinued neopan 400 and 1600 quite a while ago, they only have acros 100 left to kill off and it doesn't look they'll do that anytime soon. As far as colour is concerned the situation is different - depending on the format. Fuji only has one professional colour film left in 135, the 400h - all others: gone.
However Kodak has stated they want to sell to someone who cares about film. Let's hope that's what it's gonna be.

[justinsomerset]

Thanks Ted. Is there anything produced today by anyone that comes close or at least similar to the old Kodachrome?

[erichartke]

Tri-x does have a unique look but I have more issues getting good results in processing when compared to Ilford HP5 and FP4.

[jameslane]

Still here and actually thriving really well unlike Fuji who don't know how to run their film business.

[Kleinbiology]

Let's hope that a niche manufacturer will be able to make those fine kodak films.

[REALJimBob]

Ted, any tips of how to handle the film when you take it out of the fridge/freezer? Is it good to go, or should you let it return to room temperature before loading it?

[VaughnFelixMusic]

I just bought my first 35mm film camera the other come

[RalphHightower]

I hope that Kodak finds a company that buys their film portfolio, patents, plants, and hopefully, hires their people. I've shot 45 rolls of film so far this year; of the 45 rolls, about 80% is Kodak B&W film and 15% has been Ilford film. I wish that Plus-X was still around. Ilford's specialty is B&W; I doubt they'd get into color.

I would like to see Ektar continued; I want to try Portra in 2013.

[theartofphotography]

Its hard to say exactly, but I've had film 10 years old work just fine - color and b+w.

[nelg]

Thanks Ted. How long will film last in the fridge/freezer?

[theartofphotography]

Yeah - let it thaw - I try and take it out an hour before I need to use it - just leave it in whatever container or box it was in. Moisture is what you'll want to avoid - just let it come up to room temperature.

[REALJimBob]

Thanks, that's pretty much what I'd already been doing with my fridge stored film. Haven't bought in enough bulk to require space in the freezer, yet...

[nutellaurent]

hey ted, do you have any tips on good (not too expensive) light meters?

[slappyfin]

hey Ted could you specify what are these "many other available choices for BnW out there" in a future episode? I can only think of Ilford, Foma, Fuji :(

[theartofphotography]

Kodak sold the sensor division a while back. They used to make them.