Page 12 - RD_2025-06

In 1961, Kodak released Kodachrome II with a faster speed of 25 ASA and claiming to
produce sharper images. In 1962, Kodachrome-X at 64 ASA was introduced. In 1974,
with the transition to the K-14 process, Kodachrome II and Kodachrome-X were
replaced by Kodachrome 25 and Kodachrome 64.

Decline and discontinuation

Later color transparency films, such as Agfachrome, Anscochrome, Fujichrome and
Kodak's own Ektachrome used simpler, quicker, and more accessible color development
processes. Their higher film speeds also eroded Kodachrome's market share, as the
quality of competing films improved over time. When digital photography reduced the
demand for all film after 2000, Kodachrome sales further declined. On June 22, 2009,
Kodak announced it would no longer manufacture Kodachrome film, citing declining
demand.

2017 reintroduction rumours

After announcing the return of Ektachrome at the beginning of 2017, Eastman Kodak
CMO Steven Overman told The Kodakery podcast, "we are investigating Kodachrome,
looking at what it would take to bring that back". Although the statement generated
widespread media interest, it was subsequently conceded by an official at Kodak Alaris
(which would be responsible for its production and sale) that the return of Kodachrome
was probably impractical (due to the difficulty in restoring the now-dismantled
infrastructure needed to support it) and therefore unlikely.

Emulsion

Kodachrome films are non-substantive. Unlike
substantive transparency and negative color films,
Kodachrome film does not incorporate dye couplers
into the emulsion layers. The dye couplers are added
during processing. This means that Kodachrome
emulsion layers are thinner and less light is scattered
upon exposure, meaning that the film could record an
image with more sharpness than substantive films.
Transparencies made with non-substantive films have
an easily visible relief image on the emulsion side of
the film. Kodachrome 64 and 200 can record a
dynamic range of about 2.3D or 8 f-stops, as shown in
the characteristic curves. Kodachrome 25
transparencies have a dynamic range of around 12
f-stops, or 3.6–3.8D

Right: The familiar package of Kodachrome 40 with its contents
below.

12 REEL DEALS June 2025