The Kodak brand, founded in 1888 by George Eastman, is inseparable from the history of photography. The driving force behind countless technical and cultural revolutions, Kodak has embodied photographic innovation, quality, and accessibility for over a century. From the invention of the Brownie to the democratization of color photography, then the difficult shift to digital, the Kodak saga is emblematic of the transformations of the image in the modern era.

But in 2025, as film photography experiences a global revival, Kodak, once a pioneer of the genre, seems to be faltering once again. A dive into the fascinating and troubled history of this icon of film photography.

1888-1939: Kodak, pioneer of accessible photography

When George Eastman founded Kodak, his ambition was clear: to make photography simple and accessible to as many people as possible. He achieved this goal in 1888 with the launch of the first Kodak camera, accompanied by the visionary slogan:

“You press the button, we do the rest.”

This revolutionary concept – pre-loaded camera, factory development and prints delivered to the customer – laid the foundations for modern amateur photography.

In 1900, the release of the Brownie , selling for just $1, marked a decisive step: a compact, inexpensive camera using roll film, which allowed families and children to discover photography. It also marked the birth of the word "snapshot" , those candid shots that would invade family albums in the 20th century.

Kodak also developed an effective industrial approach very early on: by adopting an economic model based on films ( razor and blades ), the company gained the loyalty of generations of enthusiasts through its black and white films, color films, and slides.

1940-1970: Kodak's Golden Age and the World Domination of Film Photography

Iconic devices serving the general public

• 1940 : the Six-20 Flash Brownie, with built-in flash, democratizes night photography.
• 1946 : The Brownie Starflash attracts millions of amateur photographers.
• In the 1950s: the Kodak Retina , a 35 mm camera made in Germany, aimed at a more demanding audience.
• The Bakelite Brownie 127 is becoming a household classic.

Sales Explosion Thanks to the Instamatic

In 1963, Kodak launched the Instamatic 100 , the first 126-film cartridge camera. This system greatly simplified film loading, eliminating any technical complexity. The result: a worldwide success, millions of units sold, and continued popularity for decades. The Instamatic embodies Kodak's unofficial slogan: "Photography for everyone."

Kodachrome: the legend in color

As early as 1935, Kodak revolutionized color photography with Kodachrome reversal film, with its saturated hues and exceptional longevity. In the 1960s, this film became a must-have for amateurs and professionals (travel photography, reportage, landscapes).

The Kodak image in popular culture

Photography became an everyday occurrence, and the expression "Kodak moment" entered everyday language to describe a precious moment to be immortalized. Kodak, more than a brand, became a cultural icon.

1970-2000: Cautious diversification, aborted innovations and a failed digital shift

Digital innovation… not exploited

In 1975, Kodak engineer Steve Sasson created the first digital camera in history. However, management rejected the invention, fearing it would cannibalize the lucrative film market. Kodak nevertheless developed some digital products (notably the DCS series from 1991), but remained focused on film.

Costly strategic mistakes

• 1986 : Kodak loses a lawsuit against Polaroid and must abandon instant photography.
• 1990s : emphasis on the APS format, while the Japanese giants (Canon, Nikon) bet on digital.
• Lack of responsiveness to the rise of cheap digital cameras.

2000-2012: Kodak faces the digital tsunami and announced bankruptcy

• 2004 : End of production of consumer film cameras.
• 2009 : Kodachrome film is finally discontinued.
• 2012 : Filing for bankruptcy ($6.75 billion in debt).

The company restructured its operations, sold a large portion of its patents, and split its film division into a separate entity: Kodak Alaris , which took over the production of photographic films.

2013-2024: Silver resilience and renewed global interest

Film's comeback

• Kodak Portra : Professional color film, popular for portraits.
• Kodak Tri-X 400 : black and white film with legendary grain.
• Kodak Ektachrome : slide relaunched in 2018.
• Kodak Vision 3 : used in cinema by Nolan or Tarantino.

A growing market, passionate young people

Between 2018 and 2023, demand for film doubled. The analog revival , driven by social media, photo influencers, and the quest for authenticity, led to an increase in production at Kodak Alaris. Film photography became fashionable again.

2025: Kodak on the brink of collapse despite the renaissance of film photography

An alarming announcement

• Net loss of $26 million.
• Impending debt of $500 million.
• Stock market crash of 25%.
• Suspension of pension funds, asset sales, debt renegotiation.

A risky diversification

Kodak has been attempting to transition into pharmaceutical chemistry since 2020, without notable success. The core business of photography is being neglected.

A cruel paradox

• Production suspended at the end of 2024 for “modernization”.
• Industrial delays ($49 million deemed insufficient).
• Increased competition (Fujifilm, Canon, Sony, etc.).
• Mediocrity of recent disposable devices.

Conclusion: Kodak, a giant in decline but an intact passion for film

From 1888 to the present day, Kodak has profoundly influenced the world of photography. From the invention of the Brownie to the legendary Portra 400, the brand has defined generations of photographers. But in 2025, its strategic mistakes leave a bitter taste.

However, film photography is being reborn thanks to communities of enthusiasts, demanding photographers, and new brands that believe in the quality, durability, and tactile emotion of film.

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