CURRENTLY AVAILABLE 16mm FILMS


This is a list of ANY film that currently is available in a 16mm format. Not all of these films are useful for pictorial photographic work; some are extremely high contrast, some require special machines, chemicals or heat for processing, etc. Unless you are familiar with a particluar film, it is best to request a film data sheet from the manufacturer before using the film. Here are some additional points to keep in mind:

*The films that are least likely to be useful to subminiature photographers are those that have extremely low film speeds, are extremely high contrast microfilms, require special processing, are non-panchromatic, have a resin backing or have other obstacles for you to overcome.

*Certain cameras require certain types of perforations to advance the film. Know what kind your camera needs before you buy.

* Resin Backing refers to the special carbon-black anti-halation backing added to many motion picture films. Unlike regular films, this backing must be physically removed during the processing of the film with a rubbing or buffing process. For information on removing this layer during processing, see the Robert Chapman column in the May/June (1996) issue of Photo Techniques.

* Not all film lengths listed are available in all perforation types listed. In addition, many films are available in different film-base thicknesses. Not all thicknesses are available in all lengths and perforations. In addition, different films and different lengths come on different types of spools and reels. These and other factors may affect your purchasing decision. Film specifics and availability are always subject to change when you least expect it.

* Listed microfilm speeds are estimates when these films are used in pictorial photography. Speeds listed in the manufacturers' literature are based on their intended high-contrast microfilm use. The speed that you actually use will vary greatly depending on the developer used and the contrast index or gamma sought. Check out the Darkroom for special formulas for these films.

* Many of these items are special order items which will be hard to find in sales catalogs and not financially rewarding enough to order for many local sales persons. Locating outlets that specialize in motion picture film and microfilm may prove to be useful. The manufacturers may be able to point you in the right direction.

* Not all chemicals for developing all of these films are available in packaged "kits" for easy mixing. For some processing, you will need to be able to purchase and mix the raw chemicals. Some films require extra special processing, such as heat or ammonia vapors, which can be dangerous. DON'T TRY PROCESSING ANY O F THESE FILMS UNLESS YOU ARE AWARE OF WHAT PRECAUTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN AND ARE CAPABLE OF TAKING THEM.

* Once you decide on a film, ordering it will be another obstacle. Not every store will be willing or able to order it. First, they'll have to be able to find it in their catalog, a more difficult task than you would think. If it happens to be in a special catalog that they don't have, they can't order it. And since it is not financially rewarding enough for many local sales persons, you may need to "sweeten the pot". Don't be surprised if your local camera store tells you "They don't make that anymore". A more common question is "What do you want that for?" or "What are you going to do with it?". Then they will try to talk you out of using the film that you want and into something that they have "on-hand". They don't know what else to say. Locating outlets that specialize in motion picture film and microfilm may prove to be useful. The manufacturers may be able to point you in the right direction. One place to try is Studio Film and Tape.  They get left over stock from production runs, so they have good prices.  However, their supply on the more unusual films is limited.
800-824-3130 (Hollywood)
800-467-0070 (Chicago)
800-444-9330 (New York).

Another shop to try is Prep Film Services.  While their prices are somewhat higher, they are more likely to have what you want in stock, AND they offer processing.  800-793-3456 (Northville, Michigan).

You can also try Filmdex Incorporated, Centerville, VA (800-336-0192) They are very helpful and stock a wide variety of film stocks .

*Besides perforations, you'll also need to determine what type of "spooling" and length you want for the film. Films come in different lengths from 100 feet to 2500 feet. Some do not come in the "short" 100 foot size, so don't be surprised if you are told that the film you want only comes in the 1,000 foot roll! Some films come on special reels or in cartridges that make using the film more difficult.

* Technical and sales information on these films is not available from any one source within the manufacturing company, since motion picture and microfilm production (and sales) are normally separate and distinct divisions. It seems crazy to me, but you can't just call one telephone number and get all the information you need about all the 16mm films that a company manufacturers -- welcome to the 21th century! And don't be surprised when you get the right "division" of the manufacturer and the STILL don't know anything about the film that you want.

* For more information than that listed here ask for technical data sheets. Contact:

AGFA (201) 440-2500
FUJI (800) 326-0800
ILFORD
KODAK (800) 242-2424
web site for info on some of Kodak's motion picture films
web site for info on some of Kodak's micro films
web site for info on some of Ilford's motion picture films

* When you know what types of film you want, check out the SUBCLUB's SPONSORS page for purchasing information.  These are businesses that understand the needs of the submini enthusiast.

Type of perforations are as follows: S = single, D = double, U = unperforated)


INFORMATION FROM 16MM FILM MANUFACTURERS AS OF JANUARY 1, 1996

film name film type film use light balance sensitivity daylight speed tungsten speed perforations resin backing? processing lengths

AGFA Copex RSM

B&W Negative Micro Film Pan U No 100 215 420 1025

AGFA Copex Pan AHU

B&W Negative Micro Film Pan U No 100 130 215 1007

AGFA Copex Rapid AHU

B&W Negative Micro Film Pan U No 100 215 2000

AGFA Copex Positive Film

B&W Negative Duping Micro Film Blue U No 1000 1600

AGFA Copex Direct Duplicating

B&W Negative Duping Micro Film Ortho U No 1000 2500

AGFA Datarex 109

B&W Negative or Positive Micro Film Ortho U No 492 623 656 1246

FUJI Super HR

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Pan U No 100 131 215

FUJI RE

B&W Negative Micro Film Ortho ? 246 492 656 1000

FUJI MS-U

B&W Negative Micro Film Daylight Pan U No 215 420 1025

FUJI HRII

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Pan U No 100 131 215

FUJI HS-U

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Pan U No 100 200 215

FUJI SEII

B&W Negative or Positive Micro Film Ortho ? 246 492 656 1000

FUJI Fujicolor F-250D

Color Negative Motion Picture Daylight 250 64 S/D Yes 100 200 400 1200

FUJI Fujicolor F-125

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 80 125 S/D Yes 100 200 400 1200

FUJI Fujicolor F-500

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 320 500 S/D Yes 100 200 400 1200

FUJI Fujicolor F-64D

Color Negative Motion Picture Daylight 64 16 S/D Yes 100 200 400 1200

FUJI Fujicolor F-250

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 160 250 S/D Yes 100 200 400 1200

FUJI Fujicolor Intermediate FCI

Color Negative Duping Motion Picture ? 1000 2000

FUJI Fujicolor Positive FCP

Color Positive Motion Picture ? No 2000 3000

ILFORD FP4 Plus

B&W Negative Motion Picture Daylight 125 100 S/D No Standard 100 400

ILFORD HP5 Plus

B&W Negative Motion Picture Daylight 400 200 S/D No Standard 100 400

ILFORD ILFOCHROME MICROGRAPHIC

Color slide Micro Film Tungsten 1 S/D/U No P-5 100

KODAK Imagelink HQ

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Pan 20 U no Standard 100 132 215 420 600 825 1025

KODAK Duplicating

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Blue 0.25 U no Standard 1000 1600 2000 2500

KODAK Imagelink CS

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Pan 20 U no Standard 420 480 1025 2000

KODAK Thermal Print Film KF

B&W Negative Micro Film UV Blue U no heat

KODAK Imagelink FS

B&W Negative Micro Film Tungsten Pan 80 U no Standard 50 100 103 164 215 420 480 500 825 1650

KODAK Imagelink DL

B&W Positive Micro Film Laser U no heat

KODAK Diazo D Tonal Black

B&W Positive Micro Film UV Blue U no ammonia

KODAK Diazo D

B&W Positive Micro Film UV Blue U no ammonia

KODAK Optiwriter DL

B&W Positive Micro Film Laser U no Heat

KODAK Direct Duplicating

B&W Positive Micro Film Tungsten Ortho 0.05 U no Standard 1000 1600 2500

KODAK COM DR Direct Reversal

B&W Positive Micro Film Tungsten Blue U no Standard 495 627 660 1254

KODAK Direct Duplicating Intermediate

B&W Positive Micro Film Tungsten Ortho 0.015 U no Standard 1000

KODAK 7278

B&W Positive Motion Picture Daylight Pan 200 160 S/D/U No Standard 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7276

B&W Positive Motion Picture Daylight Pan 50 40 S/D No Standard 100 200 400

KODAK Imagelink CM

B&W Positive or Negative Micro Film Tungsten Blue U no Standard 248 495 627 1254

KODAK Diazo C

Blue & White Positive Micro Film UV Blue U no ammonia

KODAK Kodachrome 25

Color Positive Motion Picture Daylight 25 S/D no K-14 50 100

KODAK Kodachrome 40

Color Positive Motion Picture Tungsten 40 D no K-14 100

KODAK 7277

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 200 320 S/D yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7279

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 320 500 S/D yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7245

Color Negative Motion Picture Daylight 50 S/D yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7248

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 64 100 S/D yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7293

Color Negative Motion Picture Tungsten 125 200 S/D yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7297

Color Negative Motion Picture Daylight 250 S/D yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7239

Color Positive Motion Picture Daylight 160 S/D/U yes 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7240

Color Positive Motion Picture Tungsten 80 125 S/D/U yes 100 200 400

KODAK 7250

Color Positive Motion Picture Tungsten 250 400 S/D/U yes 50 100 200 400 1200

KODAK 7251

Color Positive Motion Picture Daylight 400 D/U yes 100 200 400

KODAK 7231

B&W Negative Motion Picture Daylight Pan 80 64 S/D No Standard 100 400

KODAK 7222

B&W Negative Motion Picture Daylight Pan 250 200 D No Standard 100 400

KODAK 7276

B&W Positive Motion Picture Daylight Pan 50 40 S/D No Standard 100 200 400

KODAK 7278

B&W Positive Motion Picture Daylight Pan 200 160 S/D/U No Standard 100 200 400 1200

KODAK SO-251

Color Positive Motion Picture Tungsten 250 400 U yes 450

KODAK 2239

Color Positive Motion Picture Daylight 160 U yes 125 450

KODAK 2253

Color Positive Motion Picture Daylight 400 U yes 125 250 450


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COPYRIGHT @ 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 by Joe McGloin. All Rights Reserved.