Great News! Lucky Color Negative Film is Making a Comeback!

Lucky Color Negative Film is Making a Comeback!

The iconic Lucky Color Negative Film, a brand that holds countless memories for film photographers, is set to return after more than a decade of absence. Over the past year, rumors about Lucky's revival have sparked heated discussions, and now, it's finally happening! Let's take a journey through Lucky's history and explore what this revival means for the film market and photography enthusiasts.

 

A Legacy of Innovation: The History of Lucky Film

Lucky Film, officially known as China Lucky Film Group Corporation, is one of the cornerstones of Asia's imaging and photosensitive materials industry. Its story began on July 1, 1958, with the establishment of the Baoding Film Factory in Hebei Province—the first film production factory in China.

Over the decades, Lucky grew into a leading enterprise in the photosensitive materials industry, producing a wide range of products, including black-and-white film, color film, and specialty film. In the 1980s, Lucky began exporting a range of films from motion picture to aerial imaging, gradually building a reputation in the international market.

 

The Kodak Partnership: A Leap Forward

In 2003, after years of negotiations, Kodak won the competition against Fuji and entered a groundbreaking partnership with Lucky. This collaboration brought advanced production technologies to Lucky, including high-performance emulsion production lines and coating equipment. The goal was clear: to elevate Lucky's product quality to international standards and produce top-tier color film and photographic paper.

By 2007, the collaboration yielded results as Lucky completed its technological upgrade, gaining the capability to produce high-quality photographic products. However, the rapid rise of digital cameras and the subsequent decline in global film demand led Kodak to gradually withdraw from the partnership by the end of that year, marking the end of this strategic alliance.

 

Decline and Transformation: Adapting to a New Era

In 2012, the widespread adoption of digital photography dealt a heavy blow to the traditional film market. Lucky announced the discontinuation of its color negative film production, symbolizing the end of an era. However, the company didn't fade away—it pivoted to new fields, including high-performance membrane materials, digital imaging materials, and new energy materials, leveraging its expertise in advanced manufacturing to open a new chapter.

 

The Revival: A New Dawn for Color Negative Film

Now, Lucky Film is on the verge of a historic revival. Over the past few years, we've worked closely with Lucky as a North American partner, providing market insights and support. Thanks to the global resurgence of analog photography driven by film enthusiasts worldwide, Lucky has decided to restart its color negative film production line in 2024.

This revival isn't just the return of an iconic brand—it's a testament to the enduring appeal of film photography. With Lucky's comeback, film lovers will have access to more affordable options, and the film market will be infused with renewed vitality.

 

Overcoming Challenges: The Road to Revival

Reviving a discontinued product is no small feat. Lucky has faced numerous challenges, from restarting long-dormant formula development to calibrating equipment and restoring supply chains. The company is now in the final stages of overcoming these hurdles. If all goes according to plan, the new generation of Lucky Color Negative Film is expected to launch in the first half of 2025, offering superior development results and color reproduction.

Rest assured, we're hard at work to bring this iconic film to the North American market as soon as it's released. Stay tuned!

 

What to Expect from the New Film

Based on the information we have, the new product will likely be an ISO 200 standard color negative film compatible with 35mm/135-format cameras. Moreover, the film will utilize new materials developed with the latest technology, offering imaging performance that can surpass similar existing products! Once Lucky reach full production, the development quality and color accuracy are expected to be exceptional.

In terms of pricing, the new film is expected to be highly affordable compared to similar products, making it a must-have for film enthusiasts. Additionally, Lucky offers a range of black-and-white films and color photographic papers. If there’s enough interest, we’ll bring these products to the North American market as well.

 

Join Us on This Journey

Once we receive samples, we'll conduct comprehensive tests on this legendary new film and share the results with you. What aspects of the film are you most curious about? Let us know in the comments!

In the meantime, we're excited to announce that a brand-new color negative film will be released soon. Keep an eye out for updates!

 

Thank You, Film Lovers!

This revival is powered by your passion and support across the globe! Your love for analog photography keeps film alive—not as a relic of the past, but as a thriving, inspiring art form that continues to shape how we see the world.

 

For more updates on Lucky's new film, follow us and visit luckyfilm.net.

Want to learn more about Lucky's history? Check out our other post here!

Together, let's celebrate the return of a legend and the bright future of film photography!