Happy New Year 2026 to all silver and alternative process fans!
Here is to more film choices and more camera choices. The year 2025 did deliver on new sources of film (Kodak with the direct to retailer Kodacolor films, Ilford with releases of Phoenix, Lucky film with new entrants and more) and cameras from Lomography, Chroma Camera, Intrepid Camera and more. Definitely looking up.
Seize the day!
In this YouTube video, photographer, Gerald Jeohri, speaks to five things lost in the move from film photography to digital. More to the point, he has suggestions to get them back, even if using digital. "For decades, photography evolved toward perfection — more megapixels, faster autofocus, flawless AI corrections. But in chasing technical perfection, we lost something deeper: intentionality, presence, anticipation, imperfection, and mindfulness."
This video was referenced by a reader on social media, but it hits the spot - it might be worth viewing even if one is not a film photographer.
It is now June, here are a few bits and bobs since the Mid-May 2025 Wrap.
The Phoblographer reveals the Keto Pano point & shoot camera. Featuring a wide-angle 22 mm plastic lens and a panorama mode at the flick of a switch. The Olympus Stylus P&S had a similar feature, but this camera is $35.
KEH has some ideas on why the point & shoot cameras are trending. Maybe a digital detox? They also have a list of (mostly) film cameras that are hidden gems that outshoot the hype.
The 35mmc blog has an interesting tale of two processing tanks, the original Paterson and the current System 4 tank. Anything else than the latter has to face this competition of works well and is cheap.
Enjoy your week and thanks for reading!
Some things that have come down the pike so far this month.
PetaPixel posted an article on The State of Film’s Comeback in Japan. Many interesting stats from interviewing over 800 Japanese shooters. The bottom line, this group averaged 13.7 rolls a year, held back by the cost of film.
They also posted a piece on Mr. Polaroid, a documentary on Edwin Land and instant photography.
Big news - the release of a new film, Kentmere 200, was covered by many sites: 35mmc posted a review as did analog.cafe and Kosmo Foto.
Kosmo Foto noted in April that Film Ferrania is under new ownership. Maybe production will turn around, but the Film Ferrania shop is showing sold out at the time of writing.
The Massive Dev Chart released an update for its app, available for iPhone and Android. This app is great in the darkroom and can be customized to your workflow. It includes built-in temperature compensation, to help in calculating times for your room conditions. Your Blogger paid for and uses this app.
ThePhoblographer writes that, in part, Instax film sales along with GFX camera sales drive revenues at Fujifilm and that tariffs may have an impact. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 was released recently.
Another post from ThePhoblographer on 5 vintage cameras for analog photographers, includes reviews of these mighty fine cameras.
Analog.cafe points to a disturbing case of an Instagram account that posts AI generated images as shot on film. Strange.
Finally, a short video on darkroom printer, Pablo Inirio:
There is plenty of film photography news this week. Make no mistake.
This blog shall be taking the weekend off while many celebrate the Easter holiday.
This is just a short run-down of items on sale this month. Lomography has select film and near-expired stock at reduced prices this month, up to 30% off. You may have to look carefully for deals, though. There are also deals on select cameras, such as the Lomo LC-Wide 35mm camera and Sprocket Rocket Panoramic camera. Lomography has also announced their new Lomo Daylight 35mm Developing Tank this month, available in April.
The Film Photography Project has stocked up on 126 format bulk film. This is one 24-exposure length of film supplied without a cartridge (FPP supplies the FakMatic 126 cartridge separately - sold out as of writing). The film is perforated to work with 126 cameras, as opposed to 35mm film that can potentially jam some Instamatic cameras.
The Co-operative of Photography is featuring the limited edition, Adjustable Nautic Camera Strap. Featuring a Golden Horizon color and adjustable from 90 cm to 150 cm, this strap "blends premium materials with thoughtful functionality."
As usual, deals are typically for a limited time while stock lasts.
Disclaimer: Your Blogger publishes these notes solely for the benefit of the film community.
Just a bunch of news from the past few days. Thanks for reading!
cinestillfilm.com is advertising a bunch of stuff on its front page. Harman RedScale ISO 125 pre-order, Adox film and chemistry, the Pentax 17 with a $50 gift card, Kodak chemistry, CS 400D in 4x5 and more.
Looking for some motivation with your film photography? Here is a visual blog by photographer, John Wolf, with is Leica M2.
The TOP Film Friday has some advice for film photographers in 2025. Maybe things that were goals for photographers in the past have been overtaken by digital. Mike has a few words on that.
The Photographic Eye ponders whether one is a photographer if no one looks at your photos. Vivian Maier accumulated thousands of negatives that no one saw in her time, but she reflected the art of the time. Is social media necessary for the modern photographer?