For decades, slide film, also known as reversal film or transparency film, held a revered position in the world of photography. Its ability to produce vivid, sharp, and uniquely saturated transparencies, perfect for projection and viewing directly on a light table, captivated photographers from professionals to enthusiasts. However, with the advent and widespread adoption of digital photography, the production and availability of slide films dwindled. Many feared that this iconic film format was destined to become a relic of the past. Yet, in recent years, a palpable resurgence of interest in analog photography, including slide film, has taken hold. This has led many to ask a crucial question: what slide films are still available for those eager to capture the magic of projected images? The good news is that the landscape, while certainly more limited than its heyday, is far from barren. Several manufacturers continue to produce, and in some cases, reintroduce, slide films, catering to a dedicated and growing community.
The Enduring Allure of Slide Film
Before diving into what’s currently available, it’s essential to understand why slide film continues to hold such a special place in many photographers’ hearts. The core appeal lies in its unique rendering. Unlike negative films, which produce a reversed image that requires printing, slide films produce a positive image directly on the film itself. This transparency offers several distinct advantages:
- Exceptional Sharpness and Detail: Slide films are renowned for their fine grain structure and remarkable sharpness, allowing for incredible detail to be resolved.
- Vibrant and Accurate Colors: The color palette of slide film is often described as rich, saturated, and incredibly lifelike. While this can be subjective, many find that slide films capture colors with a certain brilliance and nuance that is difficult to replicate digitally.
- Direct Viewing and Projection: The inherent nature of slide film means that the captured image can be viewed directly on a light table or, more classically, projected onto a screen. This creates a shared viewing experience that is often more engaging and atmospheric than looking at individual digital files on a screen.
- The Tangible Experience: In an increasingly digital world, the physical nature of film, the anticipation of development, and the tangible result of a processed slide offer a unique and rewarding experience for many photographers. There’s a deliberate process involved, from loading the camera to sending it off for development, which fosters a deeper connection with the photographic act.
Key Manufacturers and Their Current Offerings
The landscape of available slide films is dominated by a few key players, with some smaller, niche producers also contributing to the market. Understanding who is producing what is crucial for anyone looking to explore or continue shooting slide film.
Kodak: The Enduring Legacy
Kodak, a name synonymous with film photography, remains a significant force in the slide film market. Despite past closures and reconfigurations, Kodak has shown a commitment to its heritage and its loyal customer base.
Ektachrome E100
Perhaps the most significant recent development in the world of slide film has been the reintroduction of Kodak Ektachrome E100. This iconic film, beloved for its neutral color balance, fine grain, and pleasing contrast, was discontinued in 2012, leading to widespread disappointment. However, in 2018, Kodak announced its return, much to the delight of photographers worldwide.
Ektachrome E100 is a daylight-balanced film with an ISO of 100. It is celebrated for its:
- Natural Color Rendition: Ektachrome E100 is known for its accurate and pleasing color reproduction. It doesn’t overly saturate colors but rather captures them in a way that feels true to life, with a slight tendency towards cooler tones.
- Fine Grain Structure: The grain of Ektachrome E100 is exceptionally fine, contributing to its overall sharpness and allowing for significant enlargements without noticeable graininess.
- Versatility: While primarily a daylight film, E100 can be used with artificial light sources with appropriate filtration. Its ISO 100 speed makes it ideal for well-lit conditions, allowing for the use of smaller apertures for greater depth of field.
- Push and Pull Processing: Ektachrome E100 is known to handle push and pull processing reasonably well, allowing photographers to adjust the ISO up or down during development, albeit with some trade-offs in grain and contrast.
The return of Ektachrome E100 has been a major boost for the analog photography community, proving that there is still a strong demand for high-quality slide film.
Fujifilm: A Historical Giant, Now More Selective
Fujifilm was once a titan in the slide film market, offering a range of films known for their distinct color characteristics. While their production has scaled back considerably, some of their legendary films still find their way into the hands of enthusiasts.
Fujichrome Velvia 50 and Velvia 100
Fujichrome Velvia films are legendary for their vibrant, saturated colors and fine grain. They were particularly favored for landscape photography where their enhanced color rendition could make scenes pop.
- Velvia 50: This film is arguably the most famous of the Velvia line, known for its incredibly fine grain and its characteristic “Velvia look” – a tendency to boost reds, blues, and greens, resulting in exceptionally vivid and striking images. It’s a daylight-balanced ISO 50 film.
- Velvia 100: Introduced as a successor and alternative to Velvia 50, Velvia 100 offers a slightly more neutral color palette while retaining excellent saturation and fine grain. It is also a daylight-balanced ISO 100 film.
Important Note on Fujifilm Slide Film Availability: While Fujifilm has largely ceased production of many of their classic film stocks, including some of their famed Fujichrome lines, there are still instances where unsold stock of Velvia 50 and Velvia 100 can be found from retailers. However, this availability is becoming increasingly sporadic. The discontinuation of their primary manufacturing facilities for these films means that once existing stock is depleted, acquiring new batches will be exceptionally difficult, if not impossible. This makes any remaining Velvia a highly sought-after commodity.
Fujichrome Provia 100F
Provia 100F was Fujifilm’s answer for those seeking a more neutral and natural color rendition, comparable to Kodak Ektachrome. It offered fine grain and excellent sharpness. Like Velvia, Provia 100F has also seen its production cease, making its availability dependent on remaining unsold stock.
Ilford: Expanding the Analog Palette
While Ilford is primarily known for its black and white negative films, they have, in recent times, ventured into color slide film production, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the broader analog photography movement.
Ilford Cine Pan 7237 & Cine 500T 7231 (Re-packaged for Still Photography)
Ilford has been instrumental in making motion picture films available for still photography, and this includes some reversal (slide) motion picture stocks. These films are not specifically manufactured for still photography but are re-spooled and marketed for this purpose.
- Cine Pan 7237 (ISO 50): This is a daylight-balanced tungsten-balanced reversal film, meaning it is designed for daylight but also performs well under tungsten lighting with proper filtration. It offers fine grain and a unique color palette.
- Cine 500T 7231 (ISO 500): This is a tungsten-balanced reversal film designed for use under artificial light. It is a high-speed film that can be used in lower light conditions or for capturing motion. When used with daylight, it requires significant filtration or cross-processing.
These cine films offer a different aesthetic and require a slightly different approach to shooting and processing compared to dedicated still photography slide films. Their availability can be subject to the re-spooling and distribution efforts of various independent film retailers.
Rollei: The Niche Contributor
Rollei, a brand with a rich photographic history, also plays a role in the current slide film market, often by re-packaging and distributing films from other manufacturers or offering their own curated selections.
Rollei Digi-Pro 100 (Re-packaged Fujichrome Astia 100F)
For a period, Rollei offered a film known as Digi-Pro 100, which was, in fact, re-packaged Fujichrome Astia 100F. Astia 100F was another excellent Fujichrome slide film, known for its soft, subtle color rendition and fine grain, making it popular for portraiture. The availability of Rollei Digi-Pro 100 is now dependent on any remaining stock that may be found from retailers.
Rollei RPX 200 (Color Slide Film – Not widely available but worth mentioning)**
There have been instances and discussions around Rollei offering color slide film, sometimes in limited runs. However, these offerings are often less consistent and harder to pin down than their more established monochrome films. It’s worth keeping an eye on specialized retailers that carry Rollei products for any potential new or limited-edition slide film releases.
Specialty and Limited Edition Films
Beyond the major manufacturers, a vibrant ecosystem of smaller companies and distributors frequently offer limited runs or specialty slide films. These can include:
- Repackaged Cine Films: Many companies re-package motion picture films into 35mm still film cartridges, and some of these are reversal films. These often have unique characteristics and are produced in limited quantities.
- Experimental and Vintage Stocks: Enthusiasts and smaller labs sometimes source and re-spool vintage slide films that were previously discontinued. While these can be exciting to find, their stability and performance can be unpredictable, and their availability is highly variable.
The Development Side: What You Need to Know
Choosing and shooting slide film is only half the battle; getting it processed correctly is equally crucial.
C-41 vs. E-6 Processing
Most color negative films are processed using the C-41 process. Slide films, however, require a different, more complex process known as E-6. It’s vital to ensure that your chosen lab is equipped to handle E-6 processing.
- E-6 Process: This multi-stage process involves developing the film to create a negative image, then re-exposing it (to create the positive transparency), and finally developing the positive image. It requires precise chemical control and temperature management.
Finding E-6 Labs
The number of labs offering E-6 processing has declined with the overall decrease in film use. However, with the resurgence of analog photography, more labs are either continuing to offer the service or are reintroducing it.
- Dedicated Photo Labs: Many professional photo labs that specialize in film processing still offer E-6.
- Mail-in Services: Numerous companies provide mail-in film processing services, including E-6 development.
- DIY Processing: For the truly dedicated, it is possible to process slide film at home using E-6 chemistry kits. This offers the ultimate control but requires a significant investment in equipment and knowledge.
The Future of Slide Film
The question of what slide films are still available is not just about the present; it’s also about the future. The renewed interest in analog photography, driven by a desire for unique aesthetics, a tangible creative process, and a break from digital ubiquity, suggests that slide film is not going to disappear anytime soon.
The success of the Kodak Ektachrome E100 relaunch is a strong indicator that there is a viable market for quality slide film. As more photographers discover or rediscover the joys of shooting and projecting transparencies, the demand is likely to remain strong. While we may not see a return to the vast array of slide films available in the late 20th century, the current selection, bolstered by the dedication of manufacturers and the passion of the analog community, ensures that the radiant beauty of slide film will continue to illuminate our world. For photographers seeking that unique visual signature, the hunt for and shooting of slide film remains a rewarding and inspiring endeavor.
Why are some slide films experiencing a resurgence in popularity?
The resurgence of slide film is driven by a combination of aesthetic preferences and a desire for a tangible, analog photography experience. Many photographers are drawn to the unique color rendition, fine grain, and inherent contrast that slide film offers, which can be difficult to perfectly replicate with digital sensors. This distinctive look often evokes a sense of nostalgia and a perceived higher quality compared to some digital outputs, particularly for those who appreciate the deliberate nature of analog shooting.
Furthermore, the tactile nature of handling film, the anticipation of developing the images, and the physical slide format itself contribute to its appeal. In an increasingly digital world, slide film provides a welcome break from the instant gratification of digital photography, fostering a more mindful and intentional approach to image creation. This focus on process and the resulting unique output are key drivers behind its renewed popularity.
Which major manufacturers are still producing slide film?
Currently, the primary manufacturers offering slide film are Kodak Alaris and Fujifilm. Kodak Alaris, a spin-off of Eastman Kodak, continues to produce well-regarded Ektachrome slide film, which has seen a significant revival and is available in various formats. Fujifilm, another long-standing player in the film market, offers its Fujichrome Provia and Velvia films, known for their vibrant colors and fine grain.
While these are the most prominent names, there are also smaller, independent companies and labs that may produce or re-package slide films, sometimes in limited runs. However, for readily available and consistent production of modern slide films, Kodak Alaris and Fujifilm remain the dominant forces in the market.
What are the most commonly available and popular slide films today?
The most commonly available and popular slide films today are Kodak Ektachrome E100 and Fujifilm Fujichrome Provia 100F and Velvia 50. Kodak Ektachrome E100 is celebrated for its neutral color palette and fine grain, making it a versatile choice for various shooting conditions. It offers a pleasing, natural look that appeals to a broad range of photographers.
Fujifilm’s Provia 100F is known for its excellent sharpness, fine grain, and accurate color reproduction, making it a go-to for documentary, portraiture, and general use. Velvia 50, on the other hand, is renowned for its extreme color saturation and contrast, particularly its vibrant greens and blues, making it a favorite among landscape photographers who desire a bold and impactful image.
What are the typical uses and advantages of shooting with slide film?
Slide film, also known as reversal film or transparency film, is primarily used for its ability to produce positive images directly without the need for a separate printing process. This characteristic makes it ideal for direct projection, as slides can be viewed on a light table or projected onto a screen, offering a unique viewing experience that many find immersive and visually engaging. The sharp, detailed, and often vibrant colors produced by slide film are highly prized by professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The advantages of slide film extend to its inherent archival quality and its unique aesthetic. Because the image is captured directly as a positive, it often possesses a high degree of sharpness and fine grain, contributing to a clean and detailed final image. The color saturation and contrast can also be very pleasing, offering a distinct look that is sought after for its artistic qualities, particularly in genres like landscape photography where vivid colors are desirable.
Are there any downsides or challenges to using slide film in the modern age?
One of the primary challenges of using slide film today is its limited availability and often higher cost compared to negative films or digital media. While production has seen a resurgence, the overall selection is still much smaller than it was in the past, and certain specialized emulsions may be difficult to find. Additionally, the development process for slide film (E-6 process) is more complex and expensive than for negative films, and fewer labs offer this service, making it less convenient for some users.
Another consideration is the narrower exposure latitude of slide film. Unlike negative film or digital sensors, slide film is less forgiving of over or underexposure, meaning photographers need to be more precise with their metering and exposure settings. This can present a steeper learning curve for those accustomed to the more flexible nature of digital photography or negative film, requiring a more deliberate and controlled shooting approach.
How does the color rendition of modern slide films compare to digital sensors?
Modern slide films offer a distinct color rendition that is often characterized by a unique saturation, contrast, and overall aesthetic that is difficult to replicate precisely with digital sensors, even with advanced post-processing. While digital sensors can capture a vast dynamic range and allow for extensive color manipulation, slide films often produce a more organic and sometimes more pleasing interpretation of colors, with a specific way of rendering highlights and shadows that some photographers find more artistic.
While digital sensors excel in capturing fine detail and offer unparalleled flexibility in post-processing, slide films often have a specific “look” that is intrinsically tied to their chemical processes. This can include vibrant and specific color shifts, a particular grain structure, and a characteristic way of rendering skin tones or landscapes that many find superior for their aesthetic goals. This difference is less about absolute accuracy and more about the subjective appeal of the captured image.
Where can photographers purchase slide film and get it developed?
Photographers can purchase available slide films from reputable online retailers specializing in photography supplies, as well as from select brick-and-mortar camera stores that cater to analog photography. Major online retailers that carry photographic film and equipment are the most consistent source for popular slide film stocks like Kodak Ektachrome E100, Fujifilm Provia 100F, and Velvia 50.
Developing slide film requires the E-6 process, which is more specialized than standard C-41 processing for negative films. Many dedicated photo labs that serve the film photography community still offer E-6 processing. It is advisable to research and identify labs known for their quality E-6 services, either locally or through mail-in options, to ensure the best results for your slide film.