Reuniting with 127 stock film
Cheap cameras, unique film.
Created by Kodak, the 127 film stock is one of the older and more obscure film stocks out there. In between 120 film and the classic 35mm stocks, it fills a niche that no one quite thought they needed. Although it preceded both of these types of film, 35mm has entirely engulfed the market for 120.
Recently I came across an old Kodak Vest Pocket Camera which I quickly discovered took 127 film, I had never heard of 127 before. Nevertheless, I purchased the camera and started testing it. (this model can be found used for around 55–125$ depending on the condition) So far, I have been loving the experience and thought it would be interesting to jump into the history of 127 film.
A brief history — In 1912, Kodak released 127 film along with the vest pocket camera (above) to try and sell more portable and simple cameras. 127 film is a paperback film, that lies at 40mm, just above the more common 35mm. Despite originally being created for 8 shots, it was later advanced with 12 and 16-shot rolls. Although these cameras held fewer shots, compared to a 35mm equivalent, they were much more portable. Other brands would go on to release cameras compatible with 127 such as Rolleiflex, and Yashica.
1912 — Kodak releases 127 film
1930s — Companies adapt 127 for a 16-shot capacity
1939 — Many photographers of the 2nd World War choose 127 film as their medium for documentation
1952 — First Kodak Brownie 127 is produced
1957 — Rolleiflex Baby Grey is introduced starting the interest for twin-lens reflex cameras on 127 film.
1991 — 127 “Super slide” format is discontinued
1995 — Kodak halts production of 127 film
Shooting 127 film today — Because it was phased out of production in the 1990s, 127 film is not available to the consumer today. If you want to shoot 127 film, there are two options: purchase modified 120 film or modify your own 120 film. With either option, 120 film, which is 60mm is trimmed to 40mm, in a pretty complicated process.
Option 1: Buying modern 127 film. This option is expensive.. You thought 7.89 for 36 shots of Hp5+ was expensive, modified 120 film can cost up to 30$ per 16 exposures. That's 1.80$ per shot! Compared to 35mm which can usually be found at around 0.20$ a shot. However most film labs will develop modified 127 film for similar prices as 35mm.
Option 2: You can create your own 127 film from 120 film, this is complicated and requires a larger budget. You can also use 35mm film on an old roll of 127 film, there is a great article on this here: Lomography Making 127 Film.
Why should you shoot 127 film? — 127 film is a great way to utilize some of the inexpensive and portable cameras that came out in the early 1900s. Because of its size, the Kodak Vest Pocket Camera fits really well into a simple day bag or my camera bag (or your vest pocket :>) Experimenting with old photography techniques and methods is always a good way to stimulate your creative processes. Whether its 127 film, breathtaking panoramic shots on 120, or anything in between, I encourage you to try something new, you might stumble across some potentially amazing images.
Thanks for reading edition_005, we’ll be back tomorrow, the day after that, and every day after that with another exciting post. Feel free to follow us to get more of these stories and support my writing.
