FujiFilm's Analogue History

Fujifilm has been a major player in the photography industry since its founding in 1934. Over the years, the company has become known for producing high-quality film products that have been used by photographers around the world.

One of Fujifilm's most popular film lines is the Fujicolor line, which includes a range of colour negative films. These films are known for their accurate colour reproduction and fine grain, and have been a favourite among both amateur and professional photographers. Throughout the second half of the 20th Century, Fujifilm competed furiously with Kodak (read Kodak history here) for the amateur and professional photography markets.

The company has also produced the Fujichrome line of slide films, which are renowned for their vivid colours and sharpness. They designed and manufactured many analogue camera systems, and sold them alongside their films.

 

 

Despite the rise of digital photography, Fujifilm has continued to invest in its analogue business, and has even introduced new film products in recent years. In 2018, the company launched the Neopan 100 Acros II black and white film, which was met with enthusiasm by the analogue photography community. The film was praised for its fine grain, sharpness, and tonal range, and many photographers were thrilled to have a new high-quality black and white film option.

Fujifilm has also expanded its Fujifilm Instax line of instant film products, which have become popular with a new generation of photographers who appreciate the physicality and immediacy of instant film. The Instax line includes a range of cameras and film formats, from the Instax Mini to the larger Instax Wide. The popularity of these products has helped to drive a resurgence of interest in analogue photography among younger generations.

In addition to its film products, Fujifilm has also invested in the preservation of film as an art form. The company has sponsored exhibitions and events celebrating the work of analogue photographers, and has even opened its own film lab to help preserve and digitize old film negatives. The company's efforts have helped to ensure that film photography remains a viable and thriving art form, even in the face of digital technology.

Fujifilm's commitment to quality and innovation has been a driving force behind the company's success in the photography industry. The company has a strong focus on research and development, and has invested heavily in developing new technologies that improve the performance of its products. For example, the company's Super CCD sensor technology was a major breakthrough in digital photography, and helped to establish Fujifilm as a leader in the industry.

In addition to its film and digital photography products, Fujifilm has also branched out into other areas of the photography industry. The company produces a range of accessories, including lenses, flash units, and other photography equipment. Fujifilm has also entered the consumer camera market, producing a range of compact cameras that are popular with amateur photographers.

There are recent rumours that Fujifilm has stopped producing their emulsions, although there has been no official confirmation and the picture is muddied by the supply chain chaos caused by COVID-19.