Film photography is coming back. Can manufacturers keep up?
Analog’s resurgence is spurring reinvestment in film and development chemicals
cen.acs.orgHere are the latest developments in photographic film as of 2026:
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Harman/Ilford brand activity expands color film options. In 2023 Harman launched Phoenix, their first color film, and by 2025 reports and industry coverage highlighted ongoing development and follow-up products in color film lines, signaling renewed investment in color negative stock and associated processing workflows. This marks a notable shift from the long-standing focus on black-and-white stock in many traditional labs.[1][2]
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New and revived film stocks continue to appear, with manufacturers experimenting across color and emulsion technology. Industry outlets in 2024–2025 highlighted refreshed color stocks and speed variants (e.g., higher-speed color films and more versatile processing options), suggesting a broader palette for analog shooters. These trends reflect continued producer interest in appealing to both classic and new film users.[3][6]
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The market context remains dynamic, with broader reports on resurgence and manufacturing investments shaping the supply landscape. Market analyses and industry roundups discuss growth potential for photographic film, driven by consumer interest, pro labs optimization, and new entrants reviving production pipelines. For enthusiasts, this often translates into more accessible stock and evolving processing services.[6][9]
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Community and media outlets continue to track film photography news in real time, including capsule updates on camera releases, stock iterations, and lab capabilities. Specialty presses and blogs frequently publish roundups of stock news, new processes, and product previews, which can be a good way to stay current for enthusiasts and professional shooters.[7][9][1]
Illustration: Example of ongoing color film revival and new stock introductions across 2023–2025, highlighting Harman Photo Phoenix and subsequent color-film developments as a focal point of industry attention.
If you’d like, I can narrow this to:
- Specific new stock names and ISO ranges available now
- Where to buy current color and B&W stock in the Buffalo, NY area
- Guidance on processing options for the latest color films (labs that handle C-41 and related processes)