As previously reported, Light Lens Lab is working on the development of a new black-and-white photographic film:
Light Lens Lab to start producing photographic and cinematic films
Light Lens Lab recently published an update on their film project that focuses on automation, assembly, and production progress:
Aiming for Commercial B&W Film Production in 2026
Light Lens Lab’s current objective is to begin full production-line testing in 2026, with the goal of releasing its first commercially available black-and-white photographic film in 2026. The initial roadmap covers a broad range of formats that will interest analog photographers:
- 135 (35mm) – ideal for Leica M-series film cameras
- 120 (medium format)
- 127 and 126
- Sheet film: 4×5 and 8×10
- Additional formats under development
The company is not simply manufacturing film, they are building an end-to-end, internally controlled production system designed for consistency and high quality across multiple formats.
Setbacks, Learning, and a Quality-First Approach
Early testing in late 2025 and early 2026 encountered typical scaling challenges for a ground-up film manufacturing operation. Issues included:
- Static electricity during emulsion coating and drying on 8×10 film
- Scratches and emulsion damage were observed in 4×5 tabular-grain test samples
“We cannot allow unresolved quality-control issues to appear in official production. Our objective is to produce a film that meets a high standard of consistency and reliability, without creative or technical compromise.”
Defining the Film’s Own Character
Starting from scratch means there is no existing reference emulsion to emulate. Light Lens Lab has been actively listening to community feedback as it defines the visual identity of its film. Development goals include:
- Consistent contrast across varied lighting conditions
- Reliable results across different processing conditions
- Strong flexibility for push processing
- Clean, consistent image structure free from production-related defects
In-House Automation & Facility Integration
Between May and June 2026, Light Lens Lab integrated film production into their existing lens project laboratory in Shangrao. They completed renovation work that included a second clean room dedicated to film production. All machinery, tooling, mechanical components, packaging systems, and supporting infrastructure are developed and built entirely in-house, with no reliance on third-party manufacturing partners for core film production equipment.
Current testing focuses on specialized machines, including:
- A dedicated emulsion coating machine for consistent black-and-white emulsion application
- Master roll splicer
- 135-format film hole puncher
- Packaging and assembly workflows for 120 and 135 formats
Light Lens Lab is also working on a new Barnack-based replica film camera
