Film Photography Revival: 12 Reasons It’s Making a Strong Resurgence in 2025

Curious About the Film Photography Comeback? FAQs Answered

• Is film photography still relevant in 2025? Yes! It’s thriving with new films, cameras, and a passionate global community.

• Are 35mm, 120, or large format films still made? Absolutely—Kodak, Ilford, and others are launching new stocks regularly.

• Is this just a fleeting trend like Lomography? Nope, it’s a sustained movement, backed by rising sales and re-manufactured cameras.

• Does Instax count as film photography? Not quite—it’s instant, while actual film involves a hands-on development process.

• Where can I buy reliable film cameras? Check trusted sellers on eBay or Etsy for serviced models, or explore new ones like the Pentax 17.

New to film? Dive into our beginner’s guide: How to Get Started in Film Photography.

Film photography isn’t just hanging on—it’s roaring back to life. Vintage cameras, such as the Canon AE-1 or Nikon F3, are fetching prices higher than some professional digital SLRs, with eBay reporting 25-50% annual price spikes for sought-after models. Hobbyists are hooked, and pros are weaving film into premium offerings for weddings and portraits, delivering timeless results clients love.

Some call it nostalgia, like vinyl records, which outsold CDs in 2022. But the numbers don’t lie: film’s resurgence is real. Kodak’s 2024 sales of film stocks surged 20%, and manufacturers are doubling down. Kodak revived Ektachrome in 2017 and expanded Gold 200 to 120 format. CineStill launched 400D in 2022, followed by Ilford’s Kentmere 100/400 in 120. ORWO Wolfen debuted the NC500 and NC400 color films, and Harman Photo introduced Phoenix 200 in 2023, upgrading to Version II in July 2025 based on feedback from photographers. New cameras, such as Leica’s reissued M6 ($5,900 body-only) and Pentax’s 2024 release, the Pentax 17, signal industry confidence.

Online, the movement thrives: Reddit’s r/analog boasts 1.5 million members, and YouTube channels like Negative Feedback (500K+ subscribers) fuel enthusiasm with tutorials. This isn’t a fad—it’s a global revival with staying power.

What Is Film Photography?

Film photography uses analog cameras with light-sensitive film (35mm, 120 medium format, or 4x5 large format). You expose the film to light, then develop it chemically to create negatives or slides, which can be printed in a darkroom or scanned digitally. Unlike digital’s instant previews, film demands patience and skill. Instant formats like Instax differ due to their self-developing nature—here, we focus on the classic film process.

EXAMPLES OF FILM PHOTOGRAPHY