Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (2024)

Last Updated: May 18, 2023

Kodak film prices are going up on March 1st. Lots of questions floating around, so we wanted to keep you updated on what we know.

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (1)

Let's address the elephant in the room: film is getting expensive.

And while it hurts to increase the price of an already costly product to our community, we want to be as transparent as possible about Kodak's film price increase, what that means for Moment operations, and how it will affect customers.

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (4) Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (5)

What Is Happening with Kodak?

The dealer cost on Kodak filmin 35mm and 120 formatis increasing 10-25% on March 1st, which means the retail price for consumers also increases. Film is one market where the selling price is unregulated, which is why it can vary so much between websites and in-person camera stores.

The one thing to understand about film is it’s historically a very, very low-margin business. People reselling film make cents on each roll (post shipping) and can often lose money with lost shipments, rising shipping costs, etc. We don’t believe increases in costs are based on profit gouging. Instead, we believe it’s tied to the challenge in making film (rising) combined with the increase in demand (also rising).

What you can expect…

  • Dealer costs on Kodak film go up on March 1st, 2023 (see the list of film below).

  • We expect MSRP (what customers pay) to also rise on March 1st (see estimate table below).

  • Any orders before March 1st will ship at the current prices.

  • Any orders NOT fulfilled by March 1st will be canceled.

  • This looks to be a permanent change and not a temporary one.

  • This change is happening globally to everyone selling Kodak film.

Most of these suppliers shuttered their film businesses decades ago because demand has fallen so far. There is no real economical way to restart the facilities that existed decades ago as most of those facilities now produce an entirely new different product.

None of us who love film have the economic means to recreate what Kodak has built over the years.

The real long-term solution would be to create new manufacturing facilities and processes that enabled you to both keep up with demand and maintain affordable prices.

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (6) Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (7)

Why Costs Are Rising

From what we understand, the cost to make 35mm and 120film continue to increase for a lot of reasons —including rising production costs, competition from digital photography, and changing consumer preferences. Even if demand were to drop, the cost to make and ship film continues to rise at astronomical rates, which in turn increases the prices to customers.

Some additionalreasons:

  • The number of available manufacturing facilities is decreasing.

  • The equipment to produce film is no longer being produced so everyone is trying to maintain what they have the best they can.

  • 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. Beyond the pandemic, it costs more to ship than it did just a few years ago.

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (8) Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (9)

Which Film Stocks Are Increasing

The cost of Kodak film is rising, therefore we expect the MSRP to also rise. Below are new retail estimates as a quickreference guide.

The cost of Kodak film is estimated to start rising, therefore we expect the MSRP to also rise. Below are new retail estimates as a quick reference guide. Film does not have a regulated price so we expected prices to range heavily in the next few months until more final prices are established.

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (10) Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (11)

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (12) Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (13)

We're Here To Help!

Now that it's out in the open — we highly suggest ordering what's in stock now before the prices go up. If we're sold out of a particular item, sign up to be notified when we'll get more and we'll email you ASAP if we're in stock before 3/1. Alternatively, you can stock up the film fridge with amazing non-Kodak film brands!

It's important we keep our community informed and stay sensitive to our loyal customers with the utmost transparency and information we can offer.

As always, we'remore than happy to help answer additional questions or be open to feedback. You can email our Gear Guides at any time for 1:1 support (hello@shopmoment.com), or strike up a conversation with us on Twitter!

💌 There's More!

Enjoyed this read? Subscribe nowand receive all the latest and greatest articles straight to your inbox. All original. Community first. 100% ad-free.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

About The Reviewer

Natalie (Allen) Carrasco

Moment's own Head of Content / Editor in Chief, photographer, amateur gardener, natural wine enthusiast, yogi, sun bather, rambler / etc.

Read More

More on Reviews

Updated on Feb 26, 2024

Why Kodak Gold 200 Is Still My Favorite Film Stock In 2024

Updated on Feb 26, 2024

The Fujifilm Instax Link Printer Review

Updated on Feb 26, 2024

5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Reusable Film Camera Over Disposable

Updated on Jan 29, 2024

Updated on Feb 8, 2024

This Is THE Coolest $50 Film Camera | Long Weekend 35mm Review

Updated on Dec 14, 2023

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t (2024)

FAQs

Why Are Kodak Film Prices Increasing? What’s Changing & What Isn’t? ›

The number of available manufacturing facilities is decreasing. The equipment to produce film is no longer being produced so everyone is trying to maintain what they have the best they can. The environmental costs continue to rise, especially around chemicals, which have a direct impact on the cost to manufacture film.

Why has the price of 35mm film gone up? ›

When there was little demand for film some years ago, it was going dirt cheap. Recently due to a resurgence in popularity of film photography, hey presto! The prices are suddenly jacked up! This might be true of a few like Kodachrome, but color negative film is another story.

What are the supply issues with Kodak? ›

There are a number of reasons we are experiencing a colour film shortage at the moment: shortage of raw materials, covid related supply and shipping issues, the cost of living crisis, limited factories and film making facilities and the fact that film is incredibly complicated to produce.

Is Kodak going to stop making film? ›

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!

Why is Kodak film out of stock everywhere? ›

The film industry has also been rocked by pandemic-induced supply chain delays, compounding the strain on Kodak's production capacity. Notably, a shortage in the steel used to make the end caps for film canisters slowed production.

Why is film suddenly so expensive? ›

The number of available manufacturing facilities is decreasing. The equipment to produce film is no longer being produced so everyone is trying to maintain what they have the best they can. The environmental costs continue to rise, especially around chemicals, which have a direct impact on the cost to manufacture film.

How much should you pay for 35mm film? ›

Kodak Portra 400Film Review

Today's average price of a single roll of 35mm (36 exp.) Kodak Portra 400 in USD is $18.23. It went up (on average) by about $0.74 since June 14, 2023.

Who owns Kodak now? ›

KPP continues to control Kodak Alaris as a privately held company through Kodak Alaris Holdings Limited. In 2014, the company appointed Ralf Gerbershagen as CEO. Also in 2014, Mark Elliott was named Chairman of the Board of Kodak Alaris.

Who is Kodak's competitor? ›

Eastman Kodak competitors include FUJIFILM, Agfa Gevaert, Canon, Nikon and Ricoh Imaging.

Is Kodak in debt? ›

Total debt on the balance sheet as of December 2023 : $0.49 B. According to Eastman Kodak Company's latest financial reports the company's total debt is $0.49 B. A company's total debt is the sum of all current and non-current debts.

Where is Kodak film made now? ›

Fortunately, Smarter Every Day has given us an inside look at the Kodak plant in Rochester, New York, where we can see firsthand the inner workings of their film production!

Does anyone still develop Kodak film? ›

You can still get most of your film developed and turned into prints through stores that specialize in photography. The actual services vary across different companies. But there are a number of specialty photography retailers all over the country that will develop color and B&W film in a variety of different sizes.

Does anybody 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.

What is happening with Kodak film? ›

"We recently renewed our supply agreement for film with our long-term customer, Kodak Alaris in a deal that will run through 2028. We are committed to manufacturing film as long as there is demand from the filmmakers and photographers worldwide."

Is 35mm film coming back? ›

Yes! 35mm is still made and is by far the most popular film format that we sell.

Is Kodak making a comeback? ›

Once devastated by the digital photography revolution, leading to bankruptcy in 2012, Kodak didn't just fade into the annals of history. Instead, they engineered a remarkable comeback, pivoting from their traditional stronghold in photography to excel in printing technologies and advanced materials.

Why is there a 35mm film shortage? ›

Photography blog PetaPixel has also reported Japanese company Fujifilm is facing 35mm colour film shortages due to limited raw materials and skyrocketing demand.

What is happening with 35mm film? ›

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.

Will film get any cheaper? ›

Look, film is not going to get any cheaper to manufacture and distribute. In fact, during our lifetimes, film will likely only get more expensive and potentially more difficult to purchase.

Is 35mm film making a comeback? ›

Yet, against all odds, film photography has been making a remarkable comeback, driven by a combination of nostalgia, artistic appeal, and a desire for a different kind of photographic experience. In this article, we will explore the multifaceted reasons behind the resurgence of film photography.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 5853

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.