Reviving Classics: Kodak's New Kodacolor 100 and 200 Films Hit the Shelves!
Hey fellow film enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, the words "new Kodak film" send a little thrill down your spine. After years of rumors, shortages, and that eternal hope for more affordable rolls, Eastman Kodak has finally dropped a bombshell: the return of Kodacolor in two fresh flavors—Kodacolor 100 and Kodacolor 200. Announced just last week on October 1, 2025, these 35mm color negative films are here to inject some vibrant, true-to-life magic back into your camera bag. It's the first time in over a decade that Kodak is selling its own color films directly to distributors, aiming to stabilize supply and prices in our beloved analog world.
Kodacolor isn't just a nostalgic nod—it's a revival of a line that dates back to 1958, but updated with modern emulsions that play nice with standard C-41 processing. Whether you're shooting sunny street scenes or chasing golden hour glow, these films promise fine grain, saturated (but not over-the-top) colors, high sharpness, and that wide exposure latitude we all crave for forgiving those "oops" moments. Think of them as everyday heroes: versatile enough for landscapes, portraits, and travel snaps without breaking the bank.
Breaking Down the Duo: Kodacolor 100 vs. Kodacolor 200
So, what's the difference between these speed siblings? It's all about light-handling and that subtle shift in vibe. Here's a quick rundown:
| Feature | Kodacolor 100 | Kodacolor 200 |
|---|---|---|
| ISO Speed | 100 (low-speed) | 200 (medium-speed) |
| Best For | Brightly lit scenes, like midday outdoors or studio setups | Versatile daylight use, with a bit more flexibility in shade or indoor light |
| Key Strengths | Excellent shadow detail, fine grain for crisp results | Saturated colors, high sharpness, wide latitude for mixed lighting |
| Color Profile | True-to-life with warm, slightly green tonality | Similar warmth, but punches up reds nicely in varied conditions |
| Grain & Sharpness | Super fine grain—ideal for enlargements | Fine grain that holds up well, even pushed a stop or two |
| Price (36-exp roll) | Around $10.99 | Around $11.99 |
Both are daylight-balanced, so they'll shine under natural light, delivering that classic Kodak punch without the hyper-saturation of something like Ektar 100. From early samples, Kodacolor 100 turns yellow flowers against a blue sky into a warm, glowing dreamscape, while Kodacolor 200 captures beach umbrellas and surfers with vibrant stripes and ocean blues that feel alive but natural. There's even a fun shot of a corgi poking its head out of a fire truck window—pure joy in every frame!
Speculation in the community is buzzing: some folks swear Kodacolor 200 is essentially a rebrand of Kodak's budget-friendly ColorPlus 200 (which already had "Kodacolor" whispers on the cassette), while the 100 might draw from Pro Image roots for that pro-level shadow recovery. Either way, they're positioned as accessible alternatives to pricier stocks, helping to ease those swinging film prices we've all griped about.
Why This Matters for Us Film Shooters
In a world where digital is king, drops like this remind us why we load up the canister: that tactile unpredictability, the rich tones you can't quite replicate on a screen. Kodak's move here isn't just about two new SKUs—it's a signal they're doubling down on film, fresh off reviving Ektachrome and launching that Super 8 camera last year, you can snag them now for under $9.49 a pop.
Pro tip: Refrigerate your Kodacolor 100 for longevity, as per the packaging—it's a bit more finicky than its 200 sibling. And if you're testing them out, pair the 100 with a sunny hike and the 200 for urban explorations. Can't wait to hear your shots—drop a link in the comments!
What do you think, readers? Will these become your new go-to, or are you sticking with Gold 200? Grab a roll, shoot a roll, and let's keep the film renaissance rolling. Happy shooting!