It’s been a while since Kodak launched a new film, and even longer since it actually distributed its own. But the company caught people by surprise yesterday when it announced two new film products — Kodacolor 100 and Kodacolor 200. Just as important, it announced that it would be distributing them itself, rather than going through Kodak Alaris, which has handled distribution since the company split following bankruptcy proceedings in 2012.
In an Instagram post Kodak described Kodacolor as “sub-brands of existing Kodak films,” meaning they’re not completely new film stock. My suspicion is that Kodacolor 100 is based on ProImage 100 and Kodacolor 200 on Color Plus 200, judging from the limited sample images I’ve seen. While new names on existing films might be less exciting than completely new film stock, this is still a big deal for photographers who have been facing steadily increasing film prices over the last several years.
Increased capacity following upgrades at its Rochester, New York factory and cutting out the middleman should mean Kodak should be able to get more film into customers hands faster to better meet demand. More supply should also mean more stable prices. Prices for color film have increased by at least 50-percent since 2020, and for some specific stocks it’s doubled. Kodacolor 100 and Kodacolor 200 are also relatively inexpensive at around $9 a roll, which should make them attractive to those looking to dabble in film photography for the first time.