Kodak Kodachrome

The Kodachrome is a invertible Film color produces by Kodak. It is introduced in 1935 by L.Godowsky in format 16  mm, for the cinema only. The following year, Kodak makes it available in 8  mm and in 35  mm, always for the cinema. The massive use of the cameras small sizes starting to develop at the same time, the format 35  mm finds a use in photography then.

Principle

This film obviously evolved/moved since, but guard some characteristics fundamental - quote obtaining the colors by means of a subtractive Synthèse (it is besides the oldest film still on sale using this method). In a simplified way, one can say that Kodachrome consists of 3 films superimposed black and white (for each primary color) - this is found in the particular grain of this film (visible especially with Kodachrome 200), more consistent and dryness that what one sees with traditional invertible films (of Ektachrome type) or with negative films color.

Development

The process of development evolved/moved and is today called K-14 . Complex, it is not accessible to a amateur : for example, three times should be repeated (once for each primary color) a delicate treatment in which the final colors of the image are brought chemically (each silver layer in the monochromic beginning then taking its adapted color)

Only some rare laboratories in the world still take care of this treatment - this one is thus always carried out by correspondence. The Kodachrome films sold in Europe are delivered besides with an envelope allowing a development without additional expenses, which relativizes the high price at the time of the purchase.

Returned

Returned of Kodachrome is characterized by an important contrast, moderated by faithful and moderately saturated colors, contrary to the invertible films E6 modern to the colors much more sharp. This made liking and very typical, associated with an excellent clearness, made the beautiful days of the illustrated press and of many scenario writers during the XXe century.

Durability

Used for filing, in particular in many museums, the Kodachrome film has a durability of the colors exceptional, quite higher than all the emulsions more recent colors.

Future?

After the stop there is a few years of Kodachrome 25 (photo film) then more recently of Kodachrome 40 (film cinema Super 8 or 16  mm), it remains today on sale only Kodachrome 64 and Kodachrome 200 (for photography). Their future seems compromised in the medium term, Kodak having already removed of its catalog certain products among the least profitable. The official discourse of the firm of Rochester however wants to be reassuring: as long as the request will be sufficient, Kodachrome will remain produced.

The last European laboratory (with Lausanne) closed the September 30th 2006 - there thus remain only two laboratories in the world, one with the the United States, the other with the Japan. Kodak does not transmit any more the Kodachrome films to the United States; they turn over films, undeveloped, with the shipper. If you want to make develop your films Kodachrome Super 8, it is advisable to send them oneself to the United States, at Dwayne' S Photo, P.O.Box 274, Parsons, KS 67357, the USA. Tel.: +1 (620) 421-3940 & Fax: +1 (620) 421-3174. Internet site: www.dwaynesphoto.com

According to recent information (8/21/07) the Kodak laboratory of Lausanne, although it on the spot does not develop any more films, takes delivery of those and always ensures the treatment by sending them to the United States to be developed there; according to the principle of the " development compris" (what is not inevitably the case if one sends it to the USA). This rumor was firmly contradicted by Kodak (9/17/07), the laboratpore of Lausanne always returning films not developed with their shipper.

Famous photographers

Here a nonexhaustive list photographers famous using (or having used) Kodachrome for an important part of their production:

See too

On Wikipédia

External bonds

  • Data sheet of Kodachrome 40
  • “to save Kodachrome” - Letter of the scenario writer Pip Chodorov after the advertisement by Kodak of the suspension of the production of Kodachrome 40.
  • “end of an image out of time” - Article of Nicolas Renaud in the review candienne Except Field .
  • “Kodak Kodachrome: critical appraisal and its role in the future”
  • “The dislocated Kodachrome 25 has off” - Article written after the stop of the production of this film.

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