Kodak Tri-X Disposable Camera Captures Football Culture

A staff member at Blue Moon Camera and Machine has been documenting local football matches using a Kodak Tri-X disposable camera, leading to a special feature on the iconic black-and-white film. Kodak Tri-X was originally introduced in 1940 as a sheet film, following Panatomic-X in 1938 and preceding Plus-X, Super-X, and Super-XX. It was one of the fastest films Kodak offered at the time, rated at ASA 200 in daylight. Tri-X became available in 35mm and 120 formats in 1954, often considered its official birthday. The film has been used by legendary photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson (who switched to Tri-X in the 1950s), Robert Frank (who captured America on Tri-X), Garry Winogrand, Bruce Gilden, Mary Ellen Mark, Sebastião Salgado (who documented the Ethiopian famine on Tri-X), Elliott Erwitt, and Vivian Maier. Tri-X is known for its gritty grain, ISO 400 speed, versatility in pushing up to ISO 800 or even 3200, and deep contrast with crisp shadows. It remains available in multiple formats including 35mm, 120, 4×5, 5×7, 8×10, Super and 16mm motion picture, 620, and 828. Blue Moon Camera and Machine, based in Portland, OR, offers film, development services, printing, and cameras. The feature includes a discount on Tri-X and is part of the shop's weekly Film Friday series.