More new film from Kodak: Ektacolor Pro and Ektapan
You may miss the soft purple Portra branding but the film is the same stuff.
Well well well! Eastman Kodak appears to be on a roll (sorry) as not long after the release of Ektar 100 and Tai-X 400, it has just announced the release of another pair of film stocks. Ektacolor and Ektapan. Both come in a range of ISOs and are branded under the Kodak Professional brand. Eastman Kodak rates these as pro grade films with the finest grain, skin flattering colours and the world’s sharpest films for both 400 speed options. Speeds available are:
Kodak Ektacolor 160
Kodak Ektacolor 400
Kodak Ektacolor 800
Kodak Ektapan 100
Kodak Ektapan 400
Kodak Ektapan P3200
I’m curious to see if these will please shooters (I expect they will) or if the Portra fans out there will miss the old packaging. Brand loyalty is a big thing but then Ektacolor is the same film as Portra, just with new clothes on. It’s worth noting that the older users might remember when sixty years ago or so, the Ekta name was used by Kodak, as a forerunner to what became Portra, so this is actually more of a return than an update.
I’ve ordered some of both the color and pan film, to see if there are any differences and, while I expect there aren’t, it’s always good to see with your own eyes. What I do hope for though, is that Eastman taking on development, manufacturing and distribution, might bring some stability to the market and possibly even some price drops. Or at least a plateau in what has become a costly hobby or business.
Price and availability
Available now from your favourite photography supplies outlets. Prices vary but are currently much the same as before. They are available in both 135 and 120 formats.