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Kodachrome 64 Status


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To my knowledge Kodachorme is still produced (only the 64 version), but the last processing lab is A trusted name in photo processing for over 50 years - Dwayne's Photo where the films have to be mailed to for processing.

 

A great source is: The Kodachrome Project on the forums you can find answers to all kinds of kodachorme questions.

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There is a 50% price differential between ordinary 64 and professional. BHPhoto says that the two films are the same, except that the professional has to be refrigerated. Is there a material difference in the films in terms of quality?

 

It's the same stock. Kodak tests emulsion batches as they age and when one hits the ideal (neutral) color balance, they package it as "Professional" and ship it under refrigeration to retailers, who are also supposed to keep it cool. The "amateur" version goes into the retail pipeline a bit green, and is supposed to shift towards a neutral color cast, and then a bit wamer, during its life on the shelf of the retailer.

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Wal*Mart sends the film off to Dwayne's. On some other forum or maybe another thread in this one, I described the mount the slide came back in and it was the same as Dwayne's.

 

It only takes two weeks when sending from Wal*Mart and a 24 exposure roll is either $3.50 or $5.50. I think the cheaper. I have sent in a few rolls through Wal*Mart since the Dwayne's has become the only processor and haven't had any problems. In fact I have a roll in my M6 right now that has a few more frames on it and then I will drop it off at Wal*Mart.

 

Chad

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Wal*Mart sends the film off to Dwayne's.

 

The Wal-mart route does not work in Canada, and I suspect nowhere other than in the United States.

 

Dwayne's has a web site with a form to be used when sending Kodachrome to them directly. The turn around from here (Montreal) is 14-21 days. Dwayne's turn around is quite good, but the U.S. postal service is the slow poke in the system. We also can give the film to serious photo stores who batch and ship it, with a similar turn around.

 

Unfortunately, direct to Dwayne's does not work when Kodachrome is brought with processing pre-paid, such as the UK.

 

Nevertheless - still a peerless film and well worth the wait.

 

Cheers,

 

Michael

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Luckily this is still widely available, and at a very reasonable price. I have been using it very extensively over the past three years, and, although the 200 has been discontinued, I understand there are no plans to discontinue the 64.

 

I hope that it continues to be available, and that there is sufficient demand to justify production. Surprisingly, I find it priced cheaper than 15 years ago, particularly from 7-dayshop in the UK. Processing via Kodak Lausanne is surprisingly efficient, with a 10-day turnaround including all postage.

 

However, I believe that it has now been discontinued for all formats except 35mm. It should be supported by interested users as much as possible to ensure it's continued availability.

 

Pairs wonderfully with Summiluxes in my experience, producing very sharp,accurate and atmospheric pictures. As the film which most visibly emphasizes the advantages of Leica glass, it should be tried at least once by all Leica users.

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I agree it becomes well travelled but 5 weeks in this instant world? Just seems excessive to me.

 

It is, but unfortunately that's why Kodachrome is likely to disappear soon IMHO. That will be a pity, but one plant on the planet able to process it isn't a sign of good health.

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It is, but unfortunately that's why Kodachrome is likely to disappear soon IMHO. That will be a pity, but one plant on the planet able to process it isn't a sign of good health.

 

It is not encouraging. I think it is up to the Americans. If processing can be maintained at reasonable levels in the United States, Kodachrome may limp along. Canada can help, but the market is relatively small.

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Processing is only done at Dwaynes, and there will be no reason to expect anyone else to begin doing it.

 

Kodak and Dwaynes must have come to an arrangement that the latter will continue to process as long as the former continues to produce.

 

Expect an announcement from Kodak sometime to say that "in 12 months time, production of Kodachrome will cease and in 24 months time, all processing by Dwaynes will cease"

 

I have my last roll of K64 in my M2 now.

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It is, but unfortunately that's why Kodachrome is likely to disappear soon IMHO. That will be a pity, but one plant on the planet able to process it isn't a sign of good health.

 

I can only agree, unfortunately.

 

Mike

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An article like this AP one certainly does not help. It does not mention anywhere that the film is to turn 75 in 2010. And that is a shame since that could spawn a bit more interest in becoming part of that history:

 

The Wenatchee World Online - Is the rich-hued Kodak color film era fading to black?

 

I am really glad I am shooting it...a lot.

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