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The situation of film has seen remarkable improvement over the last decade, with fresh stocks being introduced and older ones revived, alongside the emergence of labs to serve a new wave of photographers.
Nonetheless, apart from brands like Leica and Lomography, the introduction of new cameras – except for those crafted via 3D printing in limited batches – has been relatively sparse.
Looking ahead, 2024 could potentially be remembered as a pivotal year for film photography. It represented the moment when one of the principal camera manufacturers entered the fray, developing a completely new film camera, along with the unveiling of a self-designed and self-manufactured camera by a much smaller entity.
When discussing film, positive developments from both Eastman Kodak and the UK’s Harman Technology suggest a sustained production of color film
Below are several of the major news items that Kosmo Foto has reported on during this historic year – which includes some of the more remarkable film launches and industry news. This list is not all-encompassing, so we encourage you to check out platforms like Analog Café, 35mmc, Japan Camera Hunter and Photo Rumors to discover additional occurrences from this year.
January
Leica experiences tenfold increase in film camera sales from 2015 to 2023
In October 2022, Leica reintroduced one of its most favored film rangefinder models – the M6 – into manufacturing due to reviving interest in film. This proved to be a clever decision; the German camera manufacturer revealed it had sold ten times more film models in 2023 compared to eight years prior.
MiNT Camera reveals Rollei 35AF
One of two compact film cameras speculated for launch, the much-anticipated Rollei 35-like camera from Hong Kong’s MiNT Camera finally received its designation – the Rollei 35AF.
Adox introduces Color Mission Helios film
German film manufacturer Adox unveiled its first color film emulsion – the excellent Color Mission – back in 2022. Their sequel was declared in January: an ultra-slow color negative emulsion with an ISO rating of only 3.
February
China Lucky Film reintroduces SHD400 black-and-white film
China’s historical film producers have been relatively silent over the recent years, yet 2024 appears to signal a resurgence of activity. China Lucky Film announced the return of SHD400 – a black-and-white film that was originally manufactured in the early 2000s – to production. (The Chinese film maker had previously revived the lower-ISO SHD100.)
FILM Ferrania introduces P33 black-and-white film
The collection of black-and-white films from FILM Ferrania has been enhanced with the introduction of P33, a high-contrast 160-ISO film derived from the P30 cinema film originally manufactured by Ferrania in the 1960s, which was revived in 2019.
March
Ricoh imaging confirms new Pentax film compact will be half-frame and zone focus
There were persistent speculations that Ricoh-owned Pentax would unveil a new 35mm film camera, their first in approximately 20 years, during 2024. In March, they validated – after numerous enticing hints – that the new device would indeed be a half-frame variant and incorporate zone focusing.
‘Dune Part Two’ partly filmed on Soviet camera lenses
The sequel to Canadian director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the acclaimed sci-fi novels, ‘Dune Part Two’ was one of the most awaited films of the year. The film’s director of photography Greig Fraser informed ARRI Rental that substantial portions of the movie were captured using Soviet photographic lenses – yes, including the renowned Helios-44 – manufactured by the Ukrainian lens modifying company IronGlass Adaptors.
Lomography reveals the Lomomatic 110 camera
Lomography remains the sole name associated with 110 film, and their array of cameras boasts several 110 models. The most sophisticated of these was launched in March – the Lomomatic 110, a design reminiscent of the classic portable models from the 1970s, equipped with a comparable auto-exposure and zone-focusing mechanism as the legendary LC-A.
(You can also read Kosmo Foto’s review here.)
Intrepid Camera reveals new 150mm lens and electronic shutter
Over the past decade, Intrepid Camera, situated on England’s southern coast, has created a beloved series of large-format cameras – yet as all ultra-large format shooters are aware, lenses and shutters are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire. Intrepid Camera launched their inaugural lens – a 150mm variant – alongside an electronic shutter that could be controlled via a smartphone application. The lens and shutter were subsequently presented on Kickstarter.
April
Fujifilm discontinues Superia X-Tra 400 film
Fujifilm’s Superia X-Tra 400 was a cherished color negative film, providing a cooler color tone compared to Kodak’s equivalent film. Amid a broader decline in Fujifilm’s manufacturing (even though there have been no official announcements regarding their complete withdrawal from the market), the once-magnificent Japanese film maker declared the film, which had already been pulled from markets outside Japan, would be entirely phased out.
CineStill launches 400D film in 4×5
CineStill’s 400D is a reengineered version of Eastman Kodak’s Vision 250D cinema film, with the ramjet removed and various modifications made to produce a fresh emulsion. Introduced in 2022, the film has previously been provided in both 35mm and 120 formats, but a large-format version, promised during fundraising, only emerged this year.
May
Shanghai introduces Shenguang 400 film
China’s film manufacturing industry appears to be stirring from a prolonged slumber: Shanghai, most noted for their GP100 and 400 black-and-white films, announced a “new” color film – Shenguang 400. It is believed this film could actually be a rebadged rendition of Original Wolfen’s NC400 or NC500.
Chroma Camera unveils Cube FF pinhole camera
Chroma Camera, operated by solo entrepreneur Steve Lloyd from Liverpool, has crafted an impressive range of 3D-printed cameras since the mid-2010s, primarily large-format and medium-format models. The Cube FF was a distinct release – a 35mm pinhole camera, incorporating a pinhole aperture equivalent to a 30mm f/150 lens.
Foma Bohemia launches Ortho 400 35mm film
Czech film manufacturer Foma Bohemia’s limited selection of superb black-and-white films includes a 400-ISO orthomatic film, which was released in 120 format in 2023. A 35mm version was launched this year.
June
Ricoh unveils the Pentax 17 35mm half-frame camera
Following nearly two years of speculation and captivating updates, Ricoh Imaging has finally revealed the film camera it had been developing: the Pentax 17. This model marked the first Pentax film camera in nearly two decades and was the inaugural half-frame camera to bear the Pentax brand. Equipped with a 25mm lens (equivalent to 37mm on a 35mm camera) and a selection of focusing ranges, including one tailored for those crucial social media food pictures, the Pentax 17 bore no resemblance to any previous models in the manufacturer’s extensive legacy and made a significant impact.
(Check out Kosmo Foto’s initial impressions review of the camera here.)
Fujifilm resumes film manufacturing – in China
Another indication that Fujifilm wasn’t entirely done with producing analogue film: it announced the commencement of production of C200 and C400 films from a manufacturing facility in Nanning, China. Whether these films are identical to those produced by Eastman Kodak under the labels “Fujifilm 200” and “Fujifilm 400” remains uncertain…
July
Lomography introduces Sun-Kissed variant of Color ’92 film
Lomography’s Color’92 film was an unexpected launch of 2023, showcasing a subdued color palette reminiscent of the Original Wolfen films that surfaced in recent years. This novel “Sun-Kissed” variant of the film features a more vibrant, golden hue.
Film Washi launches new E film
Film Washi’s Lomig Perrotin manages the globe’s smallest film factory, where he personally coats some of his films and provides a selection of quite niche emulsions. E certainly belongs to this category: it’s a film originally developed to create masks for circuit board manufacturing. The film, offered exclusively in 120 format, has an ISO rating of merely 1. Perrotin shared with Kosmo Foto that the film’s developers didn’t believe an image could be captured on it, but he has since demonstrated that they were mistaken.
August
New LEGO camera that captures 35mm film
The LEGO Ideas platform has rolled out a multitude of film-related initiatives in recent years, but this one stood out: a model of a 35mm camera capable of actually shooting 35mm film. The ZH1 was devised by Canadian photographer and innovator Zung Hoang, and the camera takes pinhole-style pictures through its included lens. Comprised of 595 distinct pieces, the ZH1 garnered the 10,000 public votes necessary to go into production.
September
Dua Lipa unveils ‘Radical Optimism’ underwater camera
The British pop icon Dua Lipa is an avid film photographer, frequently sharing images she’s captured on film via her Instagram account. She introduced a straightforward reusable underwater camera – associated with her latest album ‘Radical Optimism’ – in her merchandise shop.
Harman Technology prints 120 variant of Phoenix 200 film
The UK film manufacturer Harman Technology (producers of Ilford black-and-white films) launched the first color film entirely developed and produced within their own facility in December 2023. Harman Phoenix 200, very much a test emulsion, was initially available solely in 35mm. However, a little over nine months post-launch, Harman announced a medium-format version, a product that will certainly have been popular among the Lomography crowd in its initial form.
(Explore Kosmo Foto’s initial rolls report here.)
Rollei 35AF camera debuts with confirmed all-black variant
Nine months following its revelation, MiNT Camera’s Rollei 35AF has officially launched, with the Hong Kong-based camera producer confirming an all-black variant in addition to the previously revealed silver-and-black model.
Jeff Bridges introduces new panoramic camera named Wideluxx
In 2023, US actor Jeff Bridges – in collaboration with members from the analogue photography publication SilvergrainClassics – declared his intentions to reinstate the Widelux panoramic 35mm camera into production. Bridges has previously utilized the original models of the camera, which were initially produced in Japan, to capture images on film sets for the movies in which he has starred. The new variant will now be manufactured in Germany and carries a new name – the Wideluxx.
TTArtisan set to unveil 75/1.5 lens inspired by classic Biotar
The Zeiss Biotar 75mm f/1.5 portrait lens ranks among the notable designs in contemporary photography, first launched in 1938. Enhanced versions of the lens emerged post World War II, yet the Biotar continues to be a rare and costly item. Chinese lens manufacturer TTArtisan has announced its upcoming version of the lens in the ubiquitous M42 mount, delivering the Biotar’s bokeh-infused aesthetic to a younger generation of photographers.
October
Lomography introduces the Lomourette half-frame camera
Several months after Lomography revealed it had discontinued the Diana Mini 35mm camera, it announced its successor – the Lomourette. This camera, styled similarly to the iconic Diana, features one significant difference – it captures half-frame images.
Lomography debuts Lomo’Instant Glass, claimed to be ‘the world’s sharpest instant camera’
Lomography initially launched the Lomo’Instant camera in 2014; however, possibly motivated by the Polaroid I-2 introduced last year – touted as the most sophisticated instant camera currently available – it has released this glass variant of the Lomo’Instant, asserting it produces the clearest images of any existing instant camera.
Ilford Photo conducts survey to assess the wellbeing of the film market
Ilford Photo (a division of Harman Technology) has been actively engaging in evaluating the status of the film photography sector, conducting multiple surveys among photographers, the latest of which took place in 2022. Two years later, they have organized another survey to understand how the pastime has transformed as the world has recovered from the coronavirus outbreak. Kosmo Foto intends to report on its results in 2025 when they are publicly shared.
November
China Lucky Film’s proposed color films ‘might be the most affordable on the market’
China Lucky Film, once a leader in Asian film production that has made a comeback in recent years, has not only been involved in black-and-white film; in the 2000s, it produced a variety of color negative films to cater to China’s growing photography market. It has suggested that it is nearing a return to color film manufacturing, with the information released thus far – although still unverified as no film has appeared yet – indicating that the upcoming films could be the most economical available.
Eastman Kodak halts all film production to invest in manufacturing facility
Eastman Kodak’s recent earnings report for investors included some favorable news for film enthusiasts: the company planned to pause its film production in November to focus on investing in its manufacturing facility for the future. There are no anticipated shortages as Eastman Kodak produced excess quantities in the previous months to guarantee all films remain stocked.
Chroma Camera is set to launch glass-lens full-frame 35mm Click camera in 2025
Chroma Camera introduced its DoubleGlass lens in 2022, which features an L39 Leica screw mount 24mm lens with an f/11 aperture. Now, the UK-based camera manufacturer has integrated it into a 35mm body capable of capturing both half-frame and full-frame images, constructed with a 3D-printed design that includes an integrated viewfinder. Anticipate this camera’s debut on Kickstarter in 2025.
I’m a New Zealander residing in London since the mid-1990s, and I’ve been seriously shooting film since 2000. Kosmo Foto was established in 2012 and has evolved into a film brand, releasing my initial films Kosmo Foto Mono 35mm (2017) and Kosmo Foto Mono 120 (2019).
I’m dedicated to promoting film photography in the 21st Century, assisting it in both enduring and flourishing. If you wish to contribute something for Kosmo Foto, feel free to reach out at [email protected].
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