Kodak Ektar 100: Fine Grain, Vivid Color, and a History from Lenses to Film
Kodak Ektar 100, renowned for its vibrant color saturation and fine grain, derives its name from a series of professional lenses launched in the 1930s. The Ektar label, originating from Eastman Kodak TessAR, was associated with premium lenses used in cameras like Bantams, Retinas, and large format models, continuing until the 1960s. In 1989, Kodak reintroduced the Ektar name for films, including Ektar 25 and Ektar 1000, the latter of which was phased out in 1997. In September 2008, Kodak re-launched Ektar as Ektar 100, starting with the 135 format, followed by 120, 4×5, and 8×10 formats. It is touted as having the finest grain available and serves as a color negative alternative to Fuji Velvia slide film, ideal for autumn landscapes. Blue Moon Camera and Machine in Portland, Oregon, is currently offering the film at a discount.
Key facts
- Kodak Ektar 100 is a color negative film known for fine grain and vivid color saturation.
- The Ektar name originated with Kodak's professional lenses in the 1930s, derived from Eastman Kodak TessAR.
- Ektar lenses were used on cameras including Bantams, Retinas, and large format models until the 1960s.
- The Ektar name was applied to a line of films in 1989, including Ektar 25 and Ektar 1000, discontinued in 1997.
- Kodak announced the return of Ektar as Ektar 100 in September 2008, initially in 135 format.
- Ektar 100 later became available in 120, 4×5, and 8×10 formats.
- Kodak claimed Ektar 100 had the finest grain of any film on the market and recommended it after Kodachrome's discontinuation.
- The film is available in 35mm, 120, and sheet film, and is sold by Blue Moon Camera and Machine in Portland, Oregon.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Kodak
- Eastman Kodak
- Fujifilm
- Fuji
- Blue Moon Camera and Machine
- PetaPixel
- CatLABS
- Lomography
Locations
- Portland
- Oregon
- United States