A Legacy Revived: KODAK Photo Chemicals Return to Production

The Reintroduction of These Trusted Formulas are Available Now, via a Collaboration With Photo Systems Inc. and CineStill

Dexter, MI 8/23/2024 — In a significant development for the film photography community, the iconic and trusted KODAK Color Negative photo chemicals are officially back in production through a strategic collaboration between Photo Systems Inc. (PSI) and CineStill Inc., with the consent and support of Eastman Kodak Co. This announcement marks the reintroduction of the original KODAK Color Negative replenishers and kit chemicals — formerly known as FLEXICOLOR — which have been rigorously tested and approved by KODAK Quality Assurance.

These iconic Kodak formulas have defined color film development for decades and have been the gold standard for professionals and enthusiasts alike, ensuring unmatched color accuracy, consistency, and reliability. After a brief hiatus, these essential photo chemicals are once again available to photographers and photo labs worldwide through this exciting reintroduction.

The KODAK Color Negative C-41 Film Processing Kit is a new addition to the KODAK lineup, designed to bring the C-41 process to at-home development and smaller photographic labs using hand developing tanks or rotary processors. This trusted formula, formerly known as FLEXICOLOR, is ideal for processing all color negative films compatible with the standard C-41 process, as well as B&W chromogenic films. Available in two sizes — 2.5L or 5L of working solution — the kit can be used as a one-shot process or replenished with the appropriate KODAK Color Negative replenisher solutions (sold separately).

This announcement follows the successful revival of KODAK PROFESSIONAL Black and White Photo Chemicals. These time-honored formulations have long been cherished for their ability to deliver stunning tonal ranges and rich contrasts, making them indispensable for photographers pursuing the art of black and white imagery. The revival of this lineup of products is a testament to Photo Systems Inc. and CineStill's dedication to preserving the full spectrum of analog photography while ensuring its continued relevance and growth for future generations.

As a leading provider of high-quality chemical solutions for the photography industry, Photo Systems Inc. (PSI) leverages its deep expertise to ensure that both professional and amateur photographers have access to trusted photo chemical products. CineStill, known for its innovative approach to simplifying analog workflows, has been a longtime collaborator with PSI for over a decade. In the reintroduction of KODAK Photo Chemicals, PSI is the official KODAK Brand Licensee, handling chemical formulation, manufacturing, packaging, supply chain and logistics — ensuring the integrity and quality of these historic formulas with KODAK Quality Assurance, while scaling up production in order to meet lab and consumer demand. Meanwhile, CineStill has helped out with branding, trade-dress, web design, and copywriting in accordance to KODAK brand guidelines and policies. Additionally, they contribute to the commercialization process, customer experience, merchandising, marketing, distribution sales, and community engagement. Together, CineStill complements PSI’s efforts in bringing these historic formulas back to market by connecting them with a new generation of film enthusiasts and helping to make these products available across the North American market. This partnership not only preserves the rich history of KODAK’s photographic chemistry but also reinforces the importance of analog processes in today’s post-digital world.

In addition to the rebranding of KODAK FLEXICOLOR products as KODAK COLOR NEGATIVE, effective immediately, the highly concentrated film developer formerly known as KODAK PROFESSIONAL HC-110 will now be identified as KODAK PROFESSIONAL HIGH CONCENTRATE DEVELOPER, and the paper developer formerly known as KODAK PROFESSIONAL DEKTOL will be identified as KODAK PROFESSIONAL PAPER DEVELOPER.

This change comes as a resolution to prevent conflict or confusion with a previous brand licensee that had used the trademarks FLEXICOLOR, DEKTOL, and HC-110 and retained U.S. trademark registrations. In accordance with instructions from Eastman Kodak Company, these products have been renamed, ensuring clarity in the market while maintaining the original product formulations. As the current brand licensee, Photo Systems Inc. holds the rights to use certain trademarks and trade dress under license from Eastman Kodak Company, continuing to deliver these classic products to the photography community.

KODAK Color Negative photo chemicals are available now, joining the KODAK PROFESSIONAL black and white photo chemicals that have been re-released since January of 2024. All of these KODAK Photo Chemicals are available for film photographers and resellers in North America via kodak.photosys.com and worldwide through authorized KODAK distributors, ensuring that photographers everywhere have access to the tools they need to produce stunning analog images. The full line of KODAK Photo Chemicals can also be purchased alongside many other brands of photographic tools distributed by CineStill at cinestillfilm.com.

About Photo Systems Inc.

Founded in 1970, Photo Systems Inc. began with a mission to make color film development more accessible to amateur darkroom enthusiasts. As color photography grew in popularity, PSI expanded into the commercial market, supplying 85% of newspaper photo departments and press services. Despite the digital shift, they remained committed to analog photography, acquiring several analog chemistry manufacturers. In 2019, they began producing KODAK B&W chemistry and, in 2023, expanded to include KODAK color products. With a new licensing agreement from KODAK, Photo Systems plans to reintroduce more classic chemical products like E6, and RA4, continuing their legacy of supporting analog photography for future generations.

About CineStill

CineStill is a pioneer in modern analog film solutions, dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of photographers worldwide. Since 2012, CineStill has been delivering advanced motion picture film technology to still photographers and has brought to market multiple photo processing and analog photography workflow solutions with the goal of making film photography more accessible and demystifying the analog photography process. With a commitment to innovation and quality, CineStill continues to collaborate with brands and manufacturers worldwide to redefine the possibilities of analog photography, offering a range of products beloved by professionals and enthusiasts alike.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Steve Carter
steve@cinestillfilm.com