The Legacy of Kodak 5222 Motion Picture Film

Capturing History Frame by Frame

In the realm of motion picture film, few products have left as indelible a mark as Kodak 5222. Developed by the iconic Eastman Kodak Company in 1959, this black-and-white film stock has a rich history that mirrors the evolution of filmmaking itself.

The Birth of Kodak 5222

Introduced in the 1959, Kodak 5222, or Double X, film was initially designed for professional cinematographers. Its unique formulation allowed filmmakers to capture stunning images with exceptional contrast and fine grain, setting a new standard for black-and-white cinematography. Kodak 5222 quickly became a favorite in the film industry. Its versatility made it suitable for a wide range of genres, from classic film noirs to epic dramas. Hollywood directors, cinematographers, and photographers alike embraced the film for its ability to convey mood and emotion with unparalleled depth.

Timeless Aesthetics

What makes Kodak 5222 truly special is its distinctive look, characterized by deep blacks and crisp whites, has graced the screen in iconic films like "Schindler's List" and "Raging Bull." Filmmakers appreciated its ability to create a sense of nostalgia, even in contemporary settings.

"Schindler's List" (1993) - Directed by Steven Spielberg and shot by Janusz Kamiński, this critically acclaimed film used Kodak 5222 to capture the haunting and powerful imagery of the Holocaust.

"Raging Bull" (1980) - Directed by Martin Scorsese and lensed by Michael Chapman, this classic boxing drama starring Robert De Niro prominently featured Kodak 5222 to achieve its gritty, high-contrast look.

In recent years, Kodak 5222 has been rebranded as "Kodak XX" by independent film suppliers, carrying the legacy forward. This reincarnation ensures that contemporary filmmakers can still access the unique qualities that made the original film a staple in the industry.

This leads us to now, in a sense. As analog still photography grows in popularity and film climbs in price, photographers have been looking for an edge over digital. Kodak’s XX is a legendary film that allows you push it all over the place. We have been shooting XX for some years now and most commonly shoot it at 800 speed (+2). You can find the stock in our store https://www.midwestfilmco.com/film/midwestfilmco-xx. We’ve been perfecting the developing process for some time and we’ve landed on a classic! Kodak D76 1:1 dilution. Here are some samples which you’ll also find on the product page linked above.

Midwest Film Co. XX - Shot at 800iso

Midwest Film Co. XX - Shot at 1600iso