Kodak Ektachrome / Ektachrome 100D / E-6 Reversal

film stock reversal film film lab

Kodak's color reversal (slide) motion picture film stock using E-6 processing – relaunched in 2018 as Ektachrome 100D (7294), offering vibrant colors, fine grain, and the unique quality of positive projection directly from camera original for a distinctive vintage look.

What is Kodak Ektachrome?

Kodak Ektachrome is a color reversal film (reversal/slide) that produces a positive image directly on the exposed material. Relaunched in 2018 as Ektachrome 100D (7294), it offers vibrant colors and a unique character.

Technical Data

Property	Specification
Type	Color Reversal
Product Code	7294 (16mm), 100D
Sensitivity	100 ISO (Daylight)
Processing	E-6

Reversal vs. Negative

Aspect	Reversal	Negative
Image	Positive	Negative
Projection	Direct	Print required
Dynamic Range	Narrower	Wider
Original	Unique	Copyable

Characteristics

Aspect	Description
Colors	Vibrant, saturated
Grain	Very fine
Contrast	Higher than negative
Skin Tones	Warm, characteristic

Color Rendition

Range	Description
Blue	Luminous, clear
Green	Vivid
Red	Warm, saturated
Skin Tones	Nostalgically warm

E-6 Processing

Step	Description
First Developer	B&W Image
Reversal	Chemical Reversal
Color Developer	Color Development
Bleach/Fix	Final

Sensitivity

Condition	ISO
Daylight	100
Tungsten	25 (with filter)
Push +1	200
Push +2	400

Exposure Tolerance

Aspect	Reality
Tolerance	Low
Overexposure	Highlights burn out
Underexposure	Shadows block up
Metering	Precise metering needed

Available Formats

Format	Code
Super 8	Available
16mm	7294
35mm	On request
Still Film	E100

History

Year	Milestone
1946	First Ektachrome films
Decades	Slide film standard
2012	Production ceased
2018	Relaunch 100D

Modern Application

Use	Description
Feature Film	Creative look
Music Videos	Retro aesthetic
Commercials	Vintage feel
Experimental	Art projects

Projection Options

Option	Description
Direct Projection	From the original
Print	Internegative required
Scan	For digital
Archive	Preserve original

Workflow

Step	Description
Expose	Meter precisely
Process	E-6 Lab
Review	Light table/projection
Scan	For digital post

E-6 Labs

Lab	Region
Pro8mm	USA
Kodak Lab	USA
Andec	Berlin
Cinelab	UK

Comparison with Vision3

Aspect	Ektachrome	Vision3
Type	Reversal	Negative
Dynamic Range	~7 Stops	~14+ Stops
Flexibility	Lower	Higher
Look	Unique	Versatile

Pros and Cons

Advantage	Disadvantage
Direct Positive	Narrow exposure tolerance
Vibrant Colors	Less flexible
Fine Grain	E-6 labs rarer
Unique Look	Expensive

Storage

Aspect	Recommendation
Unexposed	Cool, -18°C ideal
Short-term	Refrigerator
Exposed	Process quickly
Acclimatize	Before use

Scanning Tips

Aspect	Recommendation
Scanner	High-quality
Resolution	4K+ recommended
Color Space	Log or Wide Gamut
Handling	Carefully

Best Practices

Practice	Reason
Test	Familiarize with the stock
Expose Accurately	Low tolerance
Choose Lab Wisely	E-6 experience
Protect Original	Unique

Today

Kodak Ektachrome is experiencing a renaissance as a creative niche film. The unique character of reversal – vibrant colors, fine grain, direct positive projection – makes it the preferred choice for projects seeking an authentic vintage look. A piece of film history that lives on.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ektachrome ist Reversal – das bedeutet direkte Projektion vom Original. Die Farben sind einzigartig lebendig, das Korn fein. Perfekt für bestimmte kreative Looks.

Director

Ektachrome gibt meinem Film einen nostalgischen, authentischen Look. Die direkte Positivprojektion hat etwas Magisches – das ist echtes Kino-Handwerk.