They say all good things come to an end.
– Kodak, A Thousand Words
It is the end of an era in photography. Photography has moved to a more digital world, and with this shift companies are beginning to phase out product. Kodak has announced that after 74 years of production the Kodachrome Film will be retired. To many photographers this is a sad announcement.
Kodak has been manufacturing Kodachrome film since 1935. It was invented by two professional musicians, Leopold Godowsky and Leopold Mannes. Kodachrome was the first color film on the market that used a subtractive method. The brilliant colors it produced made it a perfect film for publication and print media. In fact, the famous National Geographic photo of the "Afghan Girl" was shot on Kodachrome film. Kodachrome was also admired for its long storage life. Kept in darkness a Kodachrome slide retains its accurate color and density for over 50 years!
Developing Kodachrome film is a complex process. It requires technicians with extensive chemistry training and a very large, difficult machine. Currently there is only one certified facility, located in Parsons, Kansas.
Kodachrome film enjoyed its own little share of controversy. When it was first introduced one would purchase the film and the processing together. Once used, the film was sent, in the provided envelope, for developing by Kodak. In 1954, as a result of the lawsuit United States v. Eastman Kodak Co., this practice was found to be anti-competitive. Photographers from that point on were free to have Kodachrome film developed by independent processing labs.
As this era of photography ends we are treated to this slideshow from Kodak, showcasing some of the outstanding work shot on Kodachrome film. Additionally, you can treat yourself to examples of photographs taken with Kodachrome film at the Flickr Kodachrome Pool. Enjoy.
It is a thing of beauty, and will be missed. RIP, Kodachrome.
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