Is 35mm Still Made? and other common questions (2024)

This article will cover some simple questions about 35mm film, to help you get started on your film photography journey! Is 35mm Film Still Made? Yes! 35mm is still made and is by far the most popular film format that we sell. 35mm is still made by a few of the big dogs in film such as Kodak and Ilford as well as lots of lovely indie brands such as Film Washi, Dubblefilm and Candido.

Where is 35mm Film still available?

You may be lucky enough to live next to a Lomography Embassy Store or local photography shop that stocks film, but if not then good news- you are already in the best place to find it! At Analogue Wonderland we carry an extensive range of 35mm film to suit all your creative needs. We have more details on where to buy 35mm film below - with ideas for different regions of the world - but the key message is not to panic, there’s lots of choice!

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Most of my favourite photos over the past ten years have been shot on 35mm film - like this one from Namibia's skeleton coast. Love the way Portra brings the vintage feel to the colour - admittedly golden hour in a desert is pretty special light! (c) Paul McKay

Where can I buy 35mm film?

Film is not dead! And there are more places where you can buy 35mm than you may think, whether that be in store or online. You may be lucky enough to live near an independent film photography shop. In London, The Photographer’s Gallery has a great little gift shop inside selling a variety of film and wonderful photography books. There is also the Camera Museum near Tottenham Court Road which you should visit anyway because the cameras they have on display are dreamy, and they sell some film and other merchandise there too.

Lomography still has a few of their Lomography Embassy stores dotted around Europe; these are incredible treasure troves of all things Lomo and definitely worth a visit to learn more about Lomography’s history and pick up some Lomo film!

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One of the famous LomoWalls in Barcelona

You can also buy 35mm film online, how modern! Who sells 35mm film? There are lots of internet avenues you can explore to find your 35mm of choice. If you live in North America then you could check out the Film Photography Store - run by Mike Raso who also heads up one of the best and longest-running analogue photography podcasts (the Film Photography Podcast). In Australia we hear wonderful things about FilmNeverDie. In Asia we know - and love - the team behind Camera Film Photo.

And of course here in Europe you can buy your film from Analogue Wonderland! We stock more than 120 different 35mm films, offer letterbox friendly packaging, tracked shipping and you will be supporting an independent family business.

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If you are looking for expired film you could try Expired Film Club, this is a brilliant online store started by our friend Miles! Expired film can give your images a really cool, grungy feel to them with super grainy shots. The results can be unpredictable but it is always fun to experiment!

You could also head over to Amazon or eBay - but be warned. Unless you recognise and trust the seller, then please be careful. There are many folks out there who will try to sell you film that has been stored badly, is over-priced, or is past its expiry date. So before you buy please make sure you’ve asked about its background!

When in doubt - head to any of the reputable dealers from within the community.

How is 35mm made?

Photographic film is a strip or sheet (a strip in the case of 35mm) of transparent film base. The base is normally made of an acetate or plastic material and is coated on one side with a gelatin emulsion. This emulsion contains teeny-tiny light sensitive silver halide crystals, that when exposed to light capture an image, which is then brought out through another chemical process later on *Wonderlab has entered the chat*

So how is 35mm made? Photographic film is built up in multiple layers. Firstly the emulsion layer is made by dissolving pure silver in nitric acid to form silver nitrate crystals. These are mixed with other chemicals to form silver halide grains. This is the magical layer of the film that helps us achieve beautiful exposures.

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Above is a diagram that explains the layers that make up colour negative film and below a black and white negative film like (Kodak Tri-X). The layers may vary depending on the specific emulsion, but this is the 'foundation' recipe of negative film bases.

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In order for the layer of silver halide crystals to stick to the plastic film backing, it is suspended in gelatin. This creates a smooth, even layer of the silver halide crystals. Unfortunately a vegan alternative hasn’t yet been found for this part of the process. However there are some brilliant minds in the film community doing lots of research into how we can make film photography more sustainable, such as Ed Carr from Northern Sustainable Darkroom who has written a thesis on the topic. To find out more about the use of gelatin in film read our Is Eco-friendly Film Photography Possible? Article.

The gelatin emulsion layer is applied to the plastic film base with a coating machine. First the coating head and gelatin need to warm up in order to create a smooth layer of emulsion, safe lights are turned on and the coating process begins. The first step involves drawing all of the emulsion into a steel syringe that is part of an infusion pump (a peristaltic pump to be more specific), a tube is attached from this pump to the coating head, which fills up with emulsion. Once the line has been filled the infusion pump is switched on and starts pushing the emulsion to the coating head. Once a bead has formed between the head and the film base the roller is switched on and the machine starts to coat the film.

The next stage is to allow the film to dry, which takes about an hour. It is then ready to be sliced down to size and run through a perforator machine which punches the sprocket holes into the film. The film is then loaded into 35mm canisters and ready for your favourite 35mm camera to go out and take some beautiful photographs!

The process will of course vary in scale depending on whether you are in a big Kodak factory for example, or in the awesome workshop of Lomig, the creators of Film Washi (one of the smaller indie brands we sell!)



If you would like to watch this process being done check out the video above, where a historian at the George Eastman museum walks us through the coating process.

Can 35mm film be exposed to light?

The only time your 35mm should be exposed to light is when you are taking your photograph. Photographic film is extremely sensitive and any accidental exposure can lead to blank negatives and therefore no photographs.

So please don’t pull the film out of the canister - any more than is necessary to load the film in your camera - before or after shooting it!

Why is it called 35mm film?

35mm film got its name because the entire width of the film (including the area with sprockets) measures 35mm! This is also called the film’s ‘gauge’.

The actual dimension of the image that you’ll capture (excluding sprockets) is 36mm wide by 24mm high. The similarity of the 36mm image width and the 35mm film gauge can often be confusing so here’s a simple diagram:

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The format was developed and produced first at an experimental scale in Thomas A Edison’s lab in New Jersey. William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, an employee of Edison’s sliced 70mm Kodak film in half and spliced the ends together to create the format. The term 135 was introduced by Kodak in 1934 to distinguish 35mm that was specifically used for still photography versus movie film, so you may often see it described as 135 film. The 135 number does NOT correspond to any of the film’s measurements

The format quickly grew in popularity, soon surpassing 120 by the late 1960s to become the most popular film format despite competition from other film formats that were invented over the period such as 828, 126, 110 and even APS film. It remains the most popular selling film today!

How many photos are on 35mm film?

The most common number of photos on 35mm film is 36. This is what is known as a '36 exposure' roll of film. The other common exposure number is 24.

Some films are sold with the option of 36 or 24 exposures - so that photographers can choose whether they'd rather have the extra frames, or save a bit of money and go for 24.

When manufacturers produce rolls of film they will often allow for some extra film length, in case of loading mistakes or cameras winding-on too fast. So in reality you may frequently get 35, 36 or even 37 shots on a single roll of '36 exposure' film!

Also note that if you shoot half-frame then you'll get double these numbers on a single roll.

Why is 35mm film so popular?

There are many reasons as to why 35mm film is the most popular format of choice: it is a very user friendly format, takes the most amount of exposures and comes in a wide variety of styles, colours and aesthetics to choose from. We've actually written a full article on the topic: Why Shoot 35mm Film?

The format and physicality of 35mm film makes it very popular. The small metal canister it comes in makes it very user friendly, the canister contains the film and minimises the risk of light leaks or accidental exposure. It is small, compact and much simpler to load and unload than other film formats such as 120 or large format film.

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35mm Film Cameras tend to be small and portable too - like my Yashica T4!

35mm film also gives you the most bang for your buck! 35mm is available in 24 or 36 exposure rolls (and sometimes you can even squeeze a few extra shots out of it). This means you can get up to 36 photographs or more, so although the resolution isn’t as high as larger format films, you can get the most photographs from it. This makes it an ideal entry film for new film photographers as it gives you the most flexibility to learn and make mistakes in a more cost effective way. If you shoot in half-frame (like the rumoured upcoming Pentax film camera) then the cost is reduced even more!

The huge selection of 35mm film available also makes it a very popular format. It comes in the widest variety of options from black and white, colour, redscale, infrared, to crazy special effects and experimental films. 35mm film is seen as the most ‘consumer’ format, used by beginners and hobbyists whereas other film formats such as 120 and large format are seen as more ‘professional’ film types because of the higher resolution they offer (and perhaps the price point).

Of course this generalisation isn’t perfect. Many professional photographers have created stellar careers with 35mm film - particularly street photographers where the smaller format and lighter cameras is a clear benefit - and equally many beginners find themselves shooting 120 or large format very happily!

Can 35mm film still be developed?

Yes, 35mm can still be developed- through magical chemical processes using processing machines, or in some cases by hand in developing tanks we can still enjoy the thrills of film photography!

You need to find a photo lab or business that offers 'film developing' or 'film processing' with the option of 35mm film.

Where can 35mm film be developed?

Finding 35mm film to buy and finding places to develop your 35mm is a similar story. There are a few highstreet labs left such as Snappy Snaps and Max Spielmann but a lot of the big developing chains have either shut down or dramatically reduced their branches. You may find a branch (even some supermarket chains) that offer film developing but in reality they usually send off your films and do this process out of house, so the turnaround time can be 2-3 weeks.

So if you’re looking for someone who develops 35mm film in the UK - with a fantastic team of passionate technicians and award-winning customer service - then we would of course recommend the Analogue WonderLab! We manage the whole process in-house, and have great relationships with all our suppliers so will always have the best advice on how to develop and scan your films.

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A photo of one of Analogue Wonderland's 35mm film scanners...scanned on this very machine!

You could also check locally to see if there’s a small independent lab in your town or city, and go see them for a chat. Not only will you get to meet some fellow passionate analogue photographers, but you’ll also get a feel for their services and equipment, and you may find that somewhere close to drop-off/pick-up works best for your workflow.

If you’re not in the UK then there is a wonderful network of independent labs around the world who will treat your film with the right level of care - Ilford maintain a great database that you can find here.

Can 35mm film be converted to digital?

Yes, 35mm film can be converted to digital! After your 35mm film is developed there are multiple ways to digitise it. At the WonderLab we use a Fuji Frontier scanner, this machine can be fed whole rolls of film at a time. It works by taking quick digital photos of each frame, which are then edited and colour corrected on photoshop as part of the next stage.

There are also flatbed scanners, for this technique your film is placed flat onto a scanner in a frame to hold it in place. This method is great for films that have been shot at irregular frame sizes, or if you want to include sprockets within your image as it allows you to select the precise area to scan (whereas the Fuji Frontier is restricted to standard frame sizes).

Another method to convert your film photos to digital images is to take a digital photograph of them! This is a more modern technique that has become popular recently, using negative holders such as the Pixl-latr device, you place your negatives on top of a light source and use a digital camera to take a photo of them ,which you can later invert and edit on your computer to reveal your film photograph!

We hope that has answered some of your common questions about 35mm film! It really is a wonderful choice to get you started on your analogue adventures.

35mm film has the widest variety of emulsions to choose from, offers the most exposures of any film format and is a brilliant, compact film option for beginners and professionals alike.

You can see our full range of 35mm film here, and if you have any more questions please get in touch via phone or live chat! HAPPY SHOOTING!

Is 35mm Still Made? and other common questions (2024)

FAQs

Is 35mm Still Made? and other common questions? ›

Yes! 35mm is still made and is by far the most popular film format that we sell. 35mm is still made by a few of the big dogs in film such as Kodak and Ilford as well as lots of lovely indie brands such as Film Washi, Dubblefilm and Candido.

Is 35mm film still being made? ›

Yes, they still make film for cameras. They still make 35mm film, they still make 120 film, they still make 110 film and they still make sheet film in a wide variety of sizes. And now, Eastman Kodak, the worlds largest manufacturer of color film has announced that they will continue to make film!

Does anyone develop 35mm film anymore? ›

No matter what type of film requires developing, you can bring it to your local CVS Photo location for processing. Services include processing for 35mm film, disposable cameras, Advanced Photo System film, black and white film, 110 film and slide film.

Can old 35mm film still be developed? ›

Yes. Old film doesn't go bad all at once – colors shift, contrast fades away, and fog builds up. Old film (~10+ years past the process date) will have faded, skewing towards magenta. In many cases, this is preferred and authentic to the time.

Why is it so hard to get 35mm film? ›

Owing to renewed demand and supply chain delays, photography equipment suppliers around the world have been struggling to source rolls of 35mm colour film, the most commonly used format for analogue photographers, amateur and professional alike.

Why is 35mm so expensive now? ›

The environmental costs continue to rise, especially around chemicals, which have a direct impact on the cost to manufacture film. The direct production costs are increasing because the cost of inputs is rising, including paper, chemicals, labor, etc. The cost of logistics continues to go up.

What's so special about 35mm film? ›

Film handles and retains colors better than any other format, is easier on the eyes than any format, and is best for preservation.” Showing a 35mm film is certainly an incredible art form—one that I hope never goes away in this digital age.

Is 35mm film dying? ›

Film is not dead! And there are more places where you can buy 35mm than you may think, whether that be in store or online. You may be lucky enough to live near an independent film photography shop.

Will 20 year old 35mm film work? ›

Our general rule of thumb is that anything under 10 years is pretty good. You will see some minor color shifts, your blacks will start to turn blue, maybe some indoor shots taken without a flash will be too dark, and so on. 10-20 years will see some noticeable deterioration.

What happens to old 35mm film? ›

All 35mm and 120 film has an expiration date. This is because the chemicals in the film start to degrade over time, and change the coatings that were originally put on the film. Most film has an expiration date of a few years when purchased from new.

Will Walmart develop 35mm film? ›

Easy & convenient—ready in days:

Your prints will be available for pickup in approximately 6 days. You can choose 4x6, 5x7 or larger prints for framing. 35mm film and one-time use camera processing service includes a CD with your images or USB for an additional charge.

Can 40 year old film be developed? ›

It is rare to have a film more than 30 years old render decent color by accelerating or processing direct to color. Expect highly distressed color images (or nothing). The cooler your film was kept over time, the more likely you are to get good color.

Is 35mm making a comeback? ›

I later asked if they thought 35mm film photography was cool and 88% of the same audience said 'YES'. It's easy to think film photography is making a resurgence simply because it's “cool” or trendy. It is cool but this has always been the case, it's trendy too, and nobody can deny it.

What is the shelf life of 35mm film? ›

Unused rolls of film typically have an expiration date of 2 years from the date they were made. However, don't throw out your expired film stock yet. Just because the old film is beyond the expiry date doesn't mean you can't still use it.

Will a 10 year old film work? ›

The rule of thumb that you hear is to always add one stop of light for every decade the film is past the expiration date. Some film will ok 10-20 years if it was stored in a cool place.

What are the disadvantages of 35mm film? ›

Disadvantages of 35mm Film:

Resolution: The amount of detail available on the negative is its resolution. Since 35mm negatives are smaller than 120, they have less resolution as well.

Why 35mm is better than digital? ›

Film is better at capturing subtle details and color contrasts, especially between black and white. Lower initial costs. Traditional film cameras are generally cheaper than digital cameras. No fear of your camera losing power.

Why do people shoot on 35mm film? ›

35mm is a very convenient format, coming in light tight metal containers that are easy to use and less fiddly than working with sheet film or medium format spools.

Why do people buy expired 35mm film? ›

As photographic film ages it tends to have decreased contrast, increased grain, and significant color shifts. These features are highly desired by many film photographers so they will seek out expired film in the hopes of getting such results in their photos.

Can you still buy 35 mm film and get it developed? ›

We develop all types of 35mm film. The Darkroom specializes in all types of 35mm film developing. We process Color Print (C-41), Slide (E-6), and True Black & White. We color, contrast, and density adjust each and every frame or you have the option of no corrections.

Are 35mm cameras worth anything? ›

Are 35mm Cameras Worth Anything? Simply put, they are. Even though they may not always bring high prices in the vintage market, 35mm cameras present an accessible gateway into film photography.

What are some fun facts about 35mm film? ›

35mm film is a movie film format.

It only had to be cut into shorter lengths from the rolls for the movies. Oscar Barnack designed the first Leica camera! Which still produce cameras to use 35mm film today. Using the movie film in a still camera is the reason why 35mm has sprocket holes along both edges!

Why do photographers like 35mm? ›

The 35mm lens offers a wider field of view, which is fantastic for capturing expansive landscapes or for getting close to the action in street photography. This wider angle can, however, introduce some distortion, which might not always be desirable, especially for portraits where you want natural proportions.

Why is it called 35mm? ›

In motion pictures that record on film, 35 mm is the most commonly used gauge. The name of the gauge is not a direct measurement, and refers to the nominal width of the 35 mm format photographic film, which consists of strips 1.377 ± 0.001 inches (34.976 ± 0.025 mm) wide.

Are movies still shot on 35mm film? ›

Since 2016 over 90% of major films were shot on digital video. As of 2017, 92% of films are shot on digital. Only 24 major films released in 2018 were shot on 35mm. Today, cameras from companies like Sony, Panasonic, JVC and Canon offer a variety of choices for shooting high-definition video.

Will Walgreens develop 35mm film? ›

All Walgreens stores with a photo lab can accept your 35mm film. Select stores with a photo lab can also accept APS (Advanced Photo System), 110 film, 127 film, negatives, or a disposable/single-use camera. Walgreens stores that can accept the rolls/negatives will use an outside service to fulfill the orders.

Does Walmart still develop 35 millimeter film? ›

The answer to both those questions is yes – Walmart still develops film and disposable cameras. But it's not the only place that does it. I'll give you some alternatives too. So, keep on reading to learn all you need to know before sending in your 35mm rolls or disposable cameras for film developing at Walmart.

When was the last 35mm camera made? ›

The Canon EOS-1V is a 35mm single-lens reflex camera from Canon's EOS series, released in 2000. The body design formed the basis for Canon's subsequent Canon EOS-1D and EOS-1Ds families of digital SLRs. The 1V was the last model of Canon professional film cameras before it was discontinued on May 30, 2018.

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