Kodacolor-X (126 Format)
Name/Title
Kodacolor-X (126 Format)Entry/Object ID
621Tags
RelicDescription
This box of Kodacolor-X represents the "Golden Age" of the 126 Instamatic system. Introduced by Kodak in 1963 to simplify photography for the masses, the 126 cartridge was designed to be "drop-in" loaded, eliminating the complex threading of traditional roll film. Kodacolor-X was the standard-bearer for this format, providing color negative film that could be easily printed at any local drugstore. This specific box is a nearly 60-year-old artifact from the height of the mid-century "snapshot" craze, manufactured in Rochester, New York. The "X" Designation: In Kodak’s nomenclature of the 1960s, the "X" indicated that the film was color-balanced for both daylight and blue flashbulbs, an important distinction for consumers who weren't familiar with color temperature. ASA 80: Note the "ASA 80" rating. This was a relatively "slow" film speed by modern standards, which is exactly why the box prominently advises: "Use blue bulbs for flash." Without a bright flash, most indoor shots in 1968 would have resulted in motion blur or severe underexposure. This film is well beyond its usable life. The chemical components of the color dyes have almost certainly broken down, and the base has likely suffered from severe fogging over the last 58 years. It is an excellent archival display piece, but attempting to shoot it today would be strictly for extreme experimental effects. The small graphic on the box showing the cartridge loading mechanism is a classic example of 1960s instructional design—simple, wordless communication for a non-technical audience.Category
126 Film
Media Type