Feeling nostalgic? The re-release of Kodak Kodacolor film in both 100 and 200 ISO variations has stirred up excitement in the film photography community, and for good reason! This film truly delivers a unique and captivating experience. Let's dive in.
I've had the pleasure of shooting several rolls of both Kodacolor 100 and 200 over the past couple of months. Recently, I took my Fujifilm TX-1 (a camera that pairs beautifully with Kodacolor, much like the Hasselblad XPan) to Monterey and Pacific Grove, California. It was late November, and my mother and I strolled along the wharf and then over to Lovers Point. The location held special significance, as it wasn't far from where we scattered my father's ashes the previous year.
The weather was perfect: clear skies, no wind, and a pleasant warmth. It was an ideal opportunity to enjoy a roll of Kodacolor 200, which I had conveniently packed. The ability to switch between panoramic and traditional shots for about an hour and a half was a joy.
Looking back at these photos, the vibe of Kodacolor evokes a feeling that digital photos simply can't replicate. It's like a memory you can touch.
And this is the part most people miss... The delay between taking the photos and seeing them is crucial. Not seeing the images immediately, as we do with digital, solidifies the feeling of a captured memory. It also helps that the images aren't overly sharp; they resemble how we see the world with our own eyes.
That's one of the reasons I adore film photography.
Kodacolor has a remarkable ability to soften tones without appearing desaturated. Browns, in particular, stand out. This could be another reason why these images feel like memories. The 80s and 90s were filled with browns, and this film evokes that nostalgia.
Kodacolor 100 and 200 are budget-friendly, costing around $9 a roll. If you have a film camera, I highly recommend grabbing a roll and spending an afternoon shooting. Not every photo needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes, it's about preserving a lovely afternoon spent with your mom.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you agree that the delayed gratification of film photography enhances the memory? What are your thoughts on the color palette of Kodacolor? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
