Kodak
An American imaging and technology company that evolved from mass-market photographic film into commercial printing, motion-picture film, advanced materials, and related technologies.
Last updated October 7, 2026
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Overview
Kodak is the consumer-facing name associated with Eastman Kodak Company, an American imaging and technology business headquartered in Rochester, New York. George Eastman established the business in the 1880s with the goal of making photography simpler and more accessible. The Kodak camera, introduced in 1888, combined a relatively easy-to-use camera with preloaded roll film and centralized processing. Its famous promise—customers pressed the button and Kodak handled the rest—helped move photography from a specialist activity toward mass adoption. The Kodak name itself was trademarked by Eastman in 1888 and was deliberately chosen as a short, distinctive word. The company was incorporated as Eastman Kodak in 1892. During the first half of the twentieth century it built a powerful business around photographic film, cameras, processing, paper, and chemicals. Its commercial model depended on selling cameras at accessible prices while generating recurring revenue from film and processing materials. Products such as the Brownie and Instamatic made photography familiar to children, families, and amateur photographers, while Kodachrome became one of the best-known color-film products. Kodak also supplied film to the motion-picture industry and developed products for professional, medical, industrial, military, and scientific imaging. Kodak’s growth was supported by extensive research and development. Kodak Research Laboratories, established in 1912, worked on photographic emulsions, color imaging, radiography, sensors, and chemical processes. The company developed important digital-imaging technologies, including an early self-contained digital-camera prototype and integral color image-sensor work. However, its dependence on the highly profitable film ecosystem made the transition to digital photography difficult. Competition from Fujifilm and other manufacturers increased during the 1990s, while digital cameras and later smartphones reduced demand for photographic film, prints, and processing. During the 2000s Kodak attempted to reposition itself around digital cameras, digital printing, and other technology businesses. These efforts did not offset the rapid contraction of the traditional film market, and the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2012. Kodak emerged from bankruptcy in September 2013 after restructuring its liabilities, exiting or selling several legacy businesses, and concentrating on commercial printing, packaging, enterprise imaging, motion-picture film, still film, and specialty materials. The company also licensed the Kodak brand for products made by other businesses, including digital cameras marketed under the PIXPRO name. The post-bankruptcy Kodak is materially smaller and more specialized than the twentieth-century consumer photography giant. It continues to serve commercial printers, publishers, packaging businesses, filmmakers, photographers, and industrial customers. Still film is distributed through Kodak Alaris, a separate company that acquired certain personalized-imaging and document-imaging assets and licenses. In 2020 Kodak announced a planned move into pharmaceutical-material production in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, although this initiative represented a diversification effort rather than a return to the company’s former consumer scale. Kodak remains internationally recognized for photographic film, color science, imaging research, and the cultural phrase “Kodak moment.”
History
Kodak’s origins lay in George Eastman’s efforts to replace fragile glass photographic plates with a practical roll-film system. Eastman entered a partnership with Henry A. Strong in 1880, and the Eastman Dry Plate Company began operating in 1881. Eastman and his collaborators developed roll-film holders, paper-based film, and eventually nitrocellulose film. The Kodak camera, launched in 1888, was sold with film already loaded and could be sent back to Rochester for processing. This simplified the photographic process and created a recurring film-and-processing business. The enterprise underwent several reorganizations before becoming Eastman Kodak in 1892. Kodak expanded its manufacturing base in Rochester and established international operations, particularly in Europe and the United Kingdom. Its Brownie camera, introduced in 1900, extended the market to children and families. The company’s advertising, including the Kodak Girl and the phrase “You press the button, we do the rest,” made the brand closely associated with ordinary family photography. Kodak’s control of film supply, processing materials, and distribution gave it a strong competitive position for much of the twentieth century. Research was central to the company’s development. Kodak Research Laboratories opened in 1912 under Kenneth Mees. Its work contributed to color film, radiographic film, industrial imaging, motion-picture materials, and photographic chemistry. Kodachrome entered the market in 1935 and became a landmark color-film product. Kodak also diversified into chemicals and materials, including operations that later became Eastman Chemical Company. During the First and Second World Wars, Kodak supplied film and other materials for military and government uses; its wartime European subsidiaries operated under complex political and ownership conditions, and some facilities used forced labor under Nazi Germany. After the Second World War Kodak remained a dominant film and camera company. The Instamatic line, launched in the 1960s, broadened amateur photography, while Kodak film became deeply embedded in professional photography, home snapshots, medical imaging, advertising, and cinema. Its scale supported substantial employment and welfare programs in Rochester, although the company’s historical hiring practices excluded or disadvantaged some groups and reflected the racial, religious, and social prejudices of its era. The rise of digital imaging undermined Kodak’s established business model. Kodak researchers developed major digital-imaging technologies, but management struggled to replace the profitability and scale of film. Competition from Fujifilm intensified, and consumer photography shifted first to digital cameras and then to mobile phones. Kodak invested in digital cameras, printers, online imaging, and commercial printing, while also attempting chemical diversification. These initiatives did not prevent severe financial deterioration. The company filed for Chapter 11 in January 2012 and emerged in September 2013 after selling assets, separating businesses, restructuring liabilities, and narrowing its strategic focus. The reorganized company retained commercial printing, packaging, enterprise imaging, motion-picture film, and selected professional photographic products. Kodak Alaris became responsible for distributing certain still-film and personalized-imaging products, while other companies produced Kodak-branded cameras under license. In 2020 Kodak announced an intended pharmaceutical-materials business in response to supply-chain concerns exposed by the pandemic. Kodak’s present identity therefore combines a globally recognized photographic heritage with a smaller portfolio of industrial, printing, materials, and professional-imaging activities.
- 2020
Pharmaceutical-materials diversification announced
[6]Kodak announced plans to produce pharmaceutical materials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2013
Emergence from bankruptcy
[2]Kodak completed restructuring and refocused on commercial printing, professional imaging, film, and specialty businesses.
- 2012
Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing
[2]Kodak filed for protection in the United States while attempting to restructure and sell assets.
- 1975
Early self-contained digital camera prototype developed
[5]Kodak engineer Steven Sasson developed an early digital-camera prototype, demonstrating the technology that would later disrupt Kodak’s core business.
- 1963
Instamatic camera system introduced
[4]The Instamatic format made loading and using film easier and became one of Kodak’s most successful camera systems.
- 1935
Kodachrome reaches the market
[1]Kodak launched Kodachrome, a commercially important three-color film that became a signature professional and amateur product.
- 1912
Kodak Research Laboratories established
[1]Kodak formalized a major research laboratory in Rochester to advance film, color, radiographic, and related technologies.
- 1900
Brownie camera launched
[1]The inexpensive Brownie expanded Kodak’s amateur photography market, particularly among children and families.
- 1892
Eastman Kodak incorporated
[1]The business was reorganized and incorporated under the Eastman Kodak name.
- 1888
Kodak camera and trademark introduced
[1]Eastman introduced the Kodak camera and registered the Kodak name, simplifying photography through preloaded roll film and centralized processing.
Products and positioning
A heritage imaging brand repositioned around commercial printing, professional and motion-picture film, specialty materials, and imaging-related technology.
Consumer camera · 1888
Kodak camera
Introduced in 1888, the original Kodak camera used a fixed-focus design and preloaded roll film. Customers sent the camera back to Kodak for developing and printing, making photography substantially easier for non-specialists and establishing the company’s film-processing business model.
Consumer camera · 1900
Brownie
The Brownie was an inexpensive box-camera line introduced in 1900. Designed for straightforward operation and broad distribution, it helped make photography a routine leisure activity for children, families, and first-time photographers.
Color photographic film · 1935
Kodachrome
Kodachrome was a landmark color-film family launched in 1935. It became known for distinctive color rendering, archival reputation, and use in professional photography, travel, journalism, and popular culture before its eventual discontinuation.
Consumer camera system · 1963
Instamatic
The Instamatic system used easy-loading film cartridges and simple cameras to reduce the practical barriers associated with traditional roll film. It became a major mass-market Kodak platform during the 1960s and later decades.
Professional photographic film
KODAK PROFESSIONAL film
KODAK PROFESSIONAL covers film products for professional photographers and specialist users, including color-negative, black-and-white, and other formats. Current distribution and product availability depend on the specific film and Kodak-related operating company.
Printing workflow software
KODAK PRINERGY
PRINERGY is Kodak’s prepress and production workflow platform for commercial printers, packaging operations, and publishers. It integrates job management, automation, proofing, and press-production processes.
Commercial inkjet printing
KODAK PROSPER
PROSPER is a Kodak commercial inkjet technology and equipment family serving high-volume printing applications. It is positioned for applications such as publishing, transactional documents, direct mail, and packaging-related work.
Controversies
1941
Forced labor at Kodak’s German operations during World War II
Historical accounts describe the use of forced labor at Kodak AG facilities in Stuttgart and Berlin-Köpenick during the Nazi period. Kodak-Pathé facilities in occupied France were also involved in production serving the German war effort. These events concern the company’s wartime European operations and are distinct from later corporate controversies.
Marketing campaigns
- 1990Kodak moment
Global
The phrase “Kodak moment” positioned photography as a way to preserve emotionally important personal events. It became part of common language beyond the company’s advertising activity.
Outcome. Created a widely recognized cultural expression associated with photographing memorable events.
- 1910Kodak Girl
United States · International
The Kodak Girl campaign used a recurring female figure to associate Kodak cameras and film with leisure, travel, and personal memory-making. It became a durable international advertising asset, while also reflecting the gender and social assumptions of its period.
Outcome. Strengthened Kodak’s mass-market identity and long-term visual recognition.
- 1888You Press the Button, We Do the Rest
United States · International
Kodak’s early advertising framed photography as a simple consumer service: the customer operated the camera while Kodak handled film processing and printing. The message helped establish the brand’s accessibility and service-based model.
Outcome. Helped popularize amateur photography and became one of the company’s best-known historical advertising lines.
Brand decisions
2020
Enter pharmaceutical-material productionStrategyBackground
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed concerns about pharmaceutical supply chains and created an opportunity for Kodak to apply its chemical and materials capabilities in a new area.
Action taken
Kodak announced plans to manufacture pharmaceutical ingredients and materials in the United States.
Aftermath
The announcement generated substantial public and market attention, but the initiative was a diversification project rather than a restoration of Kodak’s former consumer-photography business.
2013
Refocus after bankruptcyStrategyBackground
Kodak needed to reduce exposure to declining consumer film and camera businesses while preserving valuable imaging technologies and industrial relationships.
Action taken
The reorganized company concentrated on commercial digital printing, packaging, workflow software, enterprise imaging, motion-picture film, and selected professional photographic products.
Aftermath
Kodak continued as a public company with a narrower industrial and technology portfolio; some consumer and still-film activities moved to licensees or Kodak Alaris.
2012
Seek Chapter 11 protectionOtherBackground
The collapse of demand for photographic film and pressure from digital imaging left Kodak with substantial legacy liabilities and an unsustainable business structure.
Action taken
Kodak filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States and began selling assets, restructuring liabilities, and exiting selected businesses.
Aftermath
The company emerged in 2013 as a smaller business focused on commercial printing, professional imaging, film, and specialty activities.
Recent events
Kodak introduces U.S. online store[7]
Reported:
Kodak introduced an online store for U.S. customers where they can browse its buffers and reagents, compare specifications, access supporting documentation, and place orders.
Kodak licenses its brand for wireless chargers in India[8]
Reported:
Kodak announced a licensing agreement with Georgian Enterprises to expand Kodak-branded consumer electronics in India, including wireless chargers for iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series devices.
Kodak announces acquisition of ECRM printing technology assets[9]
Reported:
Eastman Kodak announced an agreement to acquire ECRM Inc.'s computer-to-plate device business and related assets, including equipment, contracts, inventory, and intellectual property. The companies said the transaction would strengthen Kodak's position in commercial printing.
Kodak reports 2020 financial results[10]
Reported:
Eastman Kodak reported its 2020 financial results, including adjusted net income of $10 million, compared with a $36 million loss in 2019, and sales of just over $1 billion.
Kodak partners with Pigment.inc Europe to distribute KODACOLOR inks[11]
Reported:
Eastman Kodak announced a partnership with Pigment.inc B.V Europe to distribute Kodak's KODACOLOR RDTG Series direct-to-garment inks.
Kodak wins 2021 EDP Award for ASCEND Digital Press[12]
Kodak was selected as a winner of the European Digital Press Association’s 2021 EDP Award in the Industrial Print & Finishing Solutions – Best Folding Carton Solution category for its KODAK ASCEND Digital Press.
Kodak announces PRINERGY On Demand Business Solutions[13]
Kodak announced the launch of PRINERGY On Demand Business Solutions, a cloud-based software platform for printers. The solutions were stated to be available in the USA, Canada and Western Europe from January 1, 2021.
Kodak wins five BLI Outstanding Innovation Awards[14]
Kodak won five Buyers Lab (BLI) Outstanding Innovation awards in Production Print for products and technologies related to its continuous inkjet technology; two awards were shared with Uteco Group.
Kodak receives US government loan for pharmaceutical manufacturing[15]
Reported:
Kodak received a $765 million US government loan to create Kodak Pharmaceuticals and produce active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Kodak reaches preliminary agreement for government loan[16]
Reported:
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation signed a preliminary agreement with Kodak Executive Chairman Jim Continenza to provide Kodak with a $765 million loan, subject to the agency's final due diligence.
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Sources18 sources
- 1Kodaken.wikipedia.org
- 2Kodak Company Historykodak.com
- 3Eastman Kodak Company SEC filingssec.gov
- 4Instamatic camera system introduceden.wikipedia.org
- 5Early self-contained digital camera prototype developeden.wikipedia.org
- 6Pharmaceutical-materials diversification announcedsec.gov
- 7Kodak推出美国在线商店whec.com
- 8柯达授权在印度推出无线充电器indiatoday.in
- 9柯达宣布收购 ECRM 印刷技术资产thomasnet.com
- 10柯达公布2020年财务业绩wxxinews.org
- 11柯达与 Pigment.inc Europe 合作分销 KODACOLOR 墨水textileworld.com
- 12Kodak凭借ASCEND数字印刷机获得2021年EDP奖whattheythink.com
- 13柯达宣布推出PRINERGY On Demand Business Solutionsprintingnews.com
- 14Kodak 获得五项 BLI 杰出创新奖printingnews.com
- 15柯达获得美国政府贷款用于制药生产tech.sina.com.cn
- 16柯达就政府贷款达成初步协议latintimes.com
- 17柯达推出51,300片拼图star1029.iheart.com
- 18Alcom获得柯达2019年SONORA Green Leaf奖whattheythink.com
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