FILM FERRANIA | 100 More Years of Analog...Maybe?

Over the past few years FILM Ferrania has been making some headlines in the world of analog film photography, but who are they? Their journey to breathe more life into the film world has been a long and difficult one and today I'm breaking it all down!
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[@gianlusc]

I am from a small town 20 miles from Ferrania. I know the condition in which that factory was. What Marco and Nicola were able to accomplish was huge. Like raising a sunken ship from the seafloor and refurbish it to sail again. Like David Sax wrote in his "The Revenge of Analog"

[@andres-gu8yu]

yeah, they also scammed 5,500 people on the way.

[@gianlusc]

@@andres-gu8yu I don't think that was the "intention". However Kickstarter is not Amazon. The rewards are not guaranteed.

[@SweetLouPhotography]

You're a hero for creating resources like this. Research game is too strong

[@sednoid]

In a way it's a cautionary tale for those who underestimate the difficulty of actually producing film. It's a really complex process and we have to appreciate anyone who's willing to tackle it.

[@ideasmatter8626]

As a kickstarter backer, I am thrilled with all that they have accomplished and I look forward to buying P30 (and anything else they manufacture) for years to come!

[@Narwaro]

As all the other comments didn't mention this, I have to do it: Excellently researched and written story. Very high quality, its a pleasure to watch and feels very natural. I think someone had to say this, its underappreciated.

[@carslayer]

One of the things I'm most excited about with the Ferrania rebirth was discussed in a few of their updates: the potential to once again produce 126 Instamatic film. Apparently among the machinery they saved and moved into the LRF building were slitters, perforators, and loaders designed for 126 cassettes. It seems as though Kodak, Ilford, Fuji and Adox have either lost this ability by wearing out or scrapping those machines. Even Lomography, the last company keeping 110 cassettes alive, is unable to offer 126 cassettes. So I very much hope Ferrania does well. They may be our best shot at seeing the rebirth of the Instamatic format - no more loading and taping worn out backing paper in a reused cassette inside a darkbag - we might get new stuff! And just imagine how nice a square frame of that P30 would look...

[@v-g-z3689]

Yeah, I´m also hoping for the rare formats. 126, APS, Double Super 8, 127, 828, Minox, and so forth. I wouldn´t mind not having disc film though :D

[@carslayer]

@@v-g-z3689 One I can certainly live without. At least with 126, 127, 116, ect there was the rare pro model with great lenses and top features (Instamatic 500, Baby Rollei 2.8, and so on). To my knowledge there's not one high end disc camera worth resurrecting the format for!

[@v-g-z3689]

@@carslayer That is exactly the problem, you stated it clearly. Disc is the only format that has not one single proper camera, all other formats have at least one very good SLR, even 110 with the Minolta 110 Zoom SLR Mark II and 126 with the Rolleiflex SL 26. But Disc film... there is nothing! Therefore, I could also live without that format. I´d love to have the others though!

[@aldenjames5611]

No ones manufacturing cartridges though

[@v-g-z3689]

@@aldenjames5611 Well too bad, someone´s gotta do it then.

[@TheLeiPol]

Ferrania was very famous in Europe. I supported the Kickstarter because every additional film manufacturer is important for the film community. The comparison with "The Impossible Project" is justified. After 10 years it became Polaroid Originals but there are still problems. Kodak brought back Ektachrome, but it also took longer. Kodak currently has too many orders, so prices have risen. Fuji also rises prices, continues with discontinuing film after film although Acros II was recent introduced, but apparently it is made in the UK (by Ilford?). I really admire the courage and perseverance of all Ferrania employees in their project and I'm convinced that with (some) more patience we will also see color negative and slide film appear again.

[@fabster3333]

You should make a part 2 where you test P30. I have tested and it is superb !

[@PedroE1112]

Definitely yes! A video showing actual results of this film would be awesome.

[@v-g-z3689]

Superb is probably the best word possible as a description.

[@tylerbeadle-follis3338]

Fabs Jimenez what is the quality like? I’ve never gone below 100 iso

[@fabster3333]

@@tylerbeadle-follis3338 Quality is good. I've tested a couple rolls with no flaws whatsoever. I shot both at box speed.

[@martyjackson4166]

I honestly had never heard of Ferrania before, but now I’m really fascinated to look into them more and see where they go! I think it’s exciting that people are so passionate and dedicated to not only preserve film, but even help it grow. I really hope they can expand to doing motion picture film someday. I love Kodak’s cinema film, but more competition and more options can only be a good thing (plus, competition might actually get Kodak to finally release certain projects)

[@vincenzomariano9235]

I can't wait for their 120 format rolls to come out by the end of this year. The film is superb!

[@colinstables]

I own a Camera Shop and film has made a huge resurgence, you are making the videos I should make, I... tip my hat to you sir

[@AnalogResurgence]

Well I’d love to own a camera store, so I’ll tip my hat to you in return!

[@jfbaquero]

Well I am still waiting for my super 8 reversal film, I have faith that somewhere in the future they will sort it out. Ferrania actually did produce E6 film, so hopefully they are not starting from zero.

[@RealSergiob466]

Hopefully for reversal film such as color balances of 64D, 100D, 200D, 400D, 640T, and 800/3200T,

[@Wakeupproductions]

That is a beautiful story! Ferrania was conceived in tne 1920s, grew very much during fascism (that pushed Italian industry & technology), that's why Ferrania became a solid provider of film industry in the post-war decades, especially with black & white films (colour films weren't as good as Kodachrome, but cheaper in any case). In the 1970s they were still active, also producing Super 8 colour cartridges: a good result for such an old plant in such a strong market, dominated by Kodak and Fujifilm.

[@KKomalShashank]

Haven't watched the full video yet, but just based on the title, I want to say that film will be alive 100 years from now. As long as there are passionate people who cherish this medium, it will not go away anytime soon.

[@toulcaz31]

That’s a very nicely put summary of their project. The film is also available in Europe. You have the logos of macodirect and ars imago who are European distributors. Analog Talk Podcast had Dave Bias giving them an update yesterday (maybe you can add the link under the video). That’s a pity you missed it to include the last news. It seems 120 and another speed are on their way. Things look much better for them now.

[@paolociccone]

Thank you very much for such a great recap of the situation work Ferrania. We wish then the best of luck. This does how much passion there is about saving film

[@Photographicelements]

I loved how you told this story! It's a great documentary! It needs a part 2 though, of you testing the film. I look forward to more of your videos!

[@giacintoboccia9386]

To my understanding the original timeline revolved around some old stock of semi-finished product that should have been used to make a batch of colour reversal film before the renovation and the beginning of production from zero. Also Italian law mandates asbestos removal with appropriate procedure, so they were basically forced to contract a specialized company for the bonification upon discovery.

[@LScott97]

Once again another great interesting video. Well done! 👍👍👍

[@alexanderbellander4234]

Love this kind of videos, keep making them!

[@ViaOjo]

I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. You are valuable encyclopedia of wealthy information!!! Thank you so much for doing these.

[@brianentz2785]

I absolutely love videos like this. Thanks for all the info and images. Don't know if I'll shoot Ferrania, but I always love 'behind the curtains' insights.

[@ProcessBlue7268063]

I think he should take a look at Silberra films. I think they are interesting film company which they include in there line up from films to chemical process.

[@zoltankalmar7370]

The Analog Talk podcast just made an episode with Dave Bias from Ferrania. Lots of useful info about their story, their struggles and their future plans. Highly recommended.

[@riccardotassara]

Thanks for this video from a guy who live close to Ferrania and have an uncle who used to work for the company before the closing. You appointed the reality of the company without been too much critical or disappointed and I appreciate it very much. In the Nord west of Italy we had, unfortunately, a lot of floods during the last 5 years and all the shops and industry had tons of problem for that. I believe in the company that was (and will be) a pride for the Italian manufacturers. As always great video :)

[@Aar69]

definitely gotta cop some P30. I've heard about it, but now I know the actual story behind Ferrania, making this all the more enticing

[@B3D5X]

Excellently produced video, Noah. Very well done. I wish Ferrania all the best and I look forward to buying their products in the future. Unfortunately, after 3 incredibly disappointing rolls, it certainly won't be P30.

[@MicrophonicFool]

The idea of restarting such a facility fascinates me, but also blows my tiny mind. I think I will buy a few rolls. Also, I want to say: This episode is a little different than your normal videos, but I think it was excellently put together! I've enjoyed this channel for the last while, and also Hosers gotta stick together. Cheers from Sooke BC. As an Edit, I ordered 1 roll from website. $27.50 USD to Left Coast of Canada. More rolls would have made the economies better...

[@albertobastia5924]

Thank you for sharing those information about a historical Italian company!

[@TXGRunner]

...and then the pandemic hit with Italy being especially hit hard. This is a good video, and you should consider a 2023 update with a review of the film. In January, I was able to buy a box of P30 in Europe. According to the QR code it was manufactured in late September 2022. Ferrania survived the pandemic, is producing film, and it is now available in Europe and the US. Let's hope they continue to progress and can start realizing some of their plans/dreams to make color and older formats like 127 and 126.

[@saulo5216]

Awesome content. Congratulations!

[@stephenperera7382]

Bravo to you...thanks for this

[@jameslane3846]

I'm excited to try out Ferrania P30 as more film available is good! I am currently testing BCG P-400 so looking forward to testing this too

[@the_lomographer4047]

Great work, as always Noah. I’m going to get some P30 and develop at home. You should come do a segment in Hollywood, great time to escape.

[@hav6301]

i'd be stoked if they ever release super8 color at a competitive price

[@peace00963]

Keep up the good work

[@elr8691]

Great presentation on this one! I hope Ferrania is successful! I wonder if Lomo will go back to them for their stocks, instead of Kodak, to add some more variety in their lineup like they had before.

[@ryan.kellyz]

Sat through this whole video and thoroughly enjoyed it. Just realized how much of a analog geek I am haha🙏

[@steven1000000000]

Interesting history and awesome to see a totally "new" startup.

[@John-dy7do]

Love your Channel! It's very insightful and full of great passion. Keep up the amazing and dedicated work! I'm also curious about your thoughts and feelings on One Instant resurrecting pack film?

[@AnalogResurgence]

Really Interested in it’s future, too broke at the moment to invest myself...

[@John-dy7do]

@@AnalogResurgence Same here.

[@JamieMPhoto]

I really didn't pay enough attention to this during the Kickstarter era, but decided to give some P30 a wild stab in December ... and wow, I LOVE it. I hope they can continue into color film production, because if they can match the quality of P30, it should be phenomenal.

[@Zetaphotography]

Just got a Bulk Roll of P30. Not sure how old it is but cant wait to shoot it.

[@burntoutelectronics]

Mate did you use a box brownie as your video camera lens?! The corners of the video are sooooo soft

[@LasVegasandBeyond]

I forgot I backed their Color Reversal Project until I got their email letting me know I’ll get store credit for P30 film. I wish they’d make P30 B&W Reversal Super8

[@Otokichi786]

As with all things mighty, baby steps. First, black-and-white film. Then, color negative/C-41 black-and-white film. Finally, if all goes right, color transparency film. (Building the equivalent of an I.G. Farben company takes time.)

[@RealSergiob466]

Hopefully for reversal film such as color balances of 64D, 100D, 200D, 400D, 640T, and 800/3200T from Film Ferrania

[@btrdangerdan2010]

Thank you for sharing this information Noah, I honestly had no idea how many struggles the new startup Ferrannia film company had to go through! Also I noticed around the corners of your video(s) that it is very soft and just only sharp in the middle. What lens are you using?

[@moeshickenyay]

Thought you were going to say Ilford, great story.

[@jakewestbrook3214]

From what I've read, Ferrania is working on getting p30 available in 120 and 127, and then they'll start R&Ding color films.

[@michaelgriswold1809]

I went back to film (35mm) using Canon's EOS cameras and EF lenses do to the high cost of going to a DSLR full frame camera. All used equipment from Ebay of course in excellent to mint condition.

[@johnrflinn]

Hoping for the resurgence of 16mm reversal film in 50' film cartridges.

[@tomjanowski8584]

I shot a roll of P30 in 2020 but it got lost in the mail on the way to the developer. I shot a second roll in 2021 and the results were disappointing to me. I would describe the results as extremely harsh and contrasty. There was no midtones, just black and white. I'm not sure it the issue was the subjects I was shooting that was inappropriate for a high contrast film because I've seen examples of cars, for examples, that were beautifully captured by P30. For me, literally zero photos out of 36 were acceptable to my eyes. I'll give P30 another chance.

[@Nisdecar]

More videos like this

[@v-g-z3689]

That hand full of guys has more or les managed the impossible. I understand that they all once worked for the old Ferrania company that was in business up until 2012. They have all my support, and if I one day have the choice, I would buy and prefer ferrania film most likely over Kodak, Ilford and Fuji Film.

[@AmauryJacquot]

what kind of a lens are you using that generates those fuzzy sides ?

[@Otokichi786]

The Bokeh A-Go-Go lens, of course!;) Bokeh is everything, who cares if it's as soft as cotton on the edges?

[@tassadar1977]

It's bloody awful and distracting if you ask me

[@the_lomographer4047]

John Umina you’ve got too much time on your hands or just like shooting things down to feel good. Or do you really need a sharper focus on the walls of his office?

[@ViaOjo]

Can you do a video on Ilford 80 Plus and Ilford FPan when you get time? - Thank you.

[@dmarker21]

Just ordered 6 rolls!

[@dmarker21]

I then found out that this film is sold locally at a place in Brooklyn called Brooklyn Film Camera. They sell some other uncommon types of film there too so I'll have to go check them out and try some diff film types.

[@MicrophonicFool]

I shot my first (and only) roll of P30 over the last few weeks. Now of course, nobody locally is open to develop it for me. I have too many existing hobbies to do it at home, although I may someday get into that. If you end up getting some of this film, please make sure to do the review. If the results of this roll are decent enough I will do the same. Edit: imgur.com/a/mA0P8Dj

[@deepblack67]

I shot a roll and liked it.

[@Photographicelements]

Can you test Kodak Ultra Color vs Kodak High Definition 35mm film? Thanks!

[@seencere7284]

so, how they are doing now? does ferrania still produce any film today?

[@RealSergiob466]

Slide film for Ferrania?????

[@Max-uu6cu]

2022 and just bought 12 fresh rolls

[@vimerveilles]

What do you think of the ppl from film washi in france.

[@AnalogResurgence]

I always think it's good that there are lots of options for film shooting out there! I haven't tried any of their stuff, but mostly because I can't get any locally and would have to order it.

[@professor-josh]

To paraphrase a cliche from the internet space community: Film is hard.

[@kylehallman1283]

So as far as I can tell, Film Ferrania has gone complete radio silence for over a year now. Are they dead? Are still even making even P30? What happened?

[@freddymuggs3902]

When will some BRIGHT company make tanks for 8mm film. Wtf. Difficult task. I have to make one with my 3D printer. I must be light years ahead of these other companies.

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

I would recommend pronouncing it FER AH NIA not FER AY NIA .... Ay?

[@MORCOPOLO0817]

Damn, too bad you already made this video!

[@DustinBKerensky97]

Lol! 2 weeks after recording the pandemic hit.