NEWS: Kodak Professional B&W Chemistry is Available Now from Dupli and Cinestill

Sino Promise announced they were no longer manufacturing Kodak Professional photo chemistry around April of 2023 and the future of the well-loved product line became uncertain. Thankfully, a company called Photo Systems has picked up the slack, along with the help of Cinestill.

The news comes to us at 35mmc via Dupli, the official European distributor for Kodak Professional Photo Chemicals in the UK. As of now, the black and white side of Kodak Professional chemistry line is available from them and colour and E6 will be coming later this year.

“In an exciting industry update, we are delighted to share the news that the iconic Kodak Professional Photo Chemicals have returned and will once again be available to purchase throughout Europe. The original formula photo chemicals, trusted for decades, are back with a fresh new look. This is fantastic news for photographers mourning the loss of these legends of the analogue processing world.” – Dupli Press Release

XTOL, T-MAX and D-76 have all made a comeback! For the North American audience, these products are also available at Cinestill here.

Photo Systems says on their website that they were asked by Kodak Alaris in 2019 to start manufacturing some of their B&W chemistry products.

“Kodak Alaris sold their license rights to Sino Promise and we continued to manufacture the entire KODAK B&W line. We took over manufacturing of the C41 products in early 2023. Unfortunately, Sino Promise decided to exit the chemistry business in April.” – Photo Systems

They go on to describe how after the exit by Sino Promise, Photo Systems executed a license agreement in September of 2023 with Kodak to continue to manufacture and distribute Kodak Professional Chemicals worldwide. After they reintroduce C41 and E6 products in 2024, they are planning to turn their sights on RA4.

“Our commitment is to support analogue and those photographers that prefer this artistic medium.” – Photo Systems

So, where does Cinestill come in? Well, Cinestill says in a blog post published in March (2024) that they had an existing relationship with Photo Systems before the exit of Sino Promise.

“We have been working with Photo Systems Inc. since 2013 to develop and bring to market film processing tools, by providing R&D, education, marketing, and distribution to small camera shops and big box retailers worldwide.” – Cinestill Blog Post

When Photo Systems took over from Sino Promise, Cinestill obtained the permission of Eastman Kodak to assist with branding, marketing and distribution.

“CineStill’s origin is deeply intertwined with and has always supported KODAK and their customers. We are standing on the shoulders of giants and have strong relationships with Eastman Kodak Company, Eastman Business Park, Kodak Alaris, and many of the other KODAK brand licensees. Everything we do supports the availability of film photography and anyone making it more accessible to the analogue consumer. This is an exciting time — having these legendary and tried and true photo chemistries back in the hands and darkrooms of photographers, educators, and labs around the world.” – Cinestill Blog Post

Exciting times indeed when the film photography industry can manage to turn events like the exit of Sino Promise around and bring back products for photographers who enjoy using them.

Find out more information from Dupli on their website here or read more about Photo Systems and the Cinestill partnership on their About Us page here.

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