No, the production of Advanced Photo System (APS) films was completely discontinued in 2011. This means new APS film rolls are no longer manufactured by any company.
What Was APS Film?
APS film, introduced in the mid-1990s, was an innovative film format designed to be more user-friendly than traditional 35mm film. It featured a magnetic coating that allowed cameras to record information like date, time, and print aspect ratios directly onto the film. This format aimed to bridge the gap between traditional film photography and the emerging digital era, offering features such as:
- Drop-in film loading: Easier than 35mm.
- Three print formats: Classic (C), HDTV (H), and Panoramic (P), selectable on the camera.
- Index print: A small print that showed thumbnails of all images on the roll, making reordering prints simpler.
- Information exchange: Cameras could communicate with photofinishing equipment.
You can learn more about its technical specifications and history on Wikipedia's Advanced Photo System page.
While popular for a time due to its convenience and advanced features, its existence was relatively short-lived.
The Decline and Discontinuation
The primary reason for the discontinuation of APS film was the rapid advancement and widespread adoption of digital photography. As digital cameras became more affordable, offered higher resolution, and provided instant image review without the need for film processing, the demand for all film types, including APS, significantly declined. The unique features of APS film, once cutting-edge, were quickly surpassed by digital capabilities.
Film Production Status Overview
To put the status of APS film in context:
| Film Type | Current Production Status | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| APS | Discontinued (2011) | Advanced Photo System, easier loading, magnetic data, multiple print formats. |
| 35mm | Active | Most common film format, widely available, vast camera selection. |
| 120 (Medium Format) | Active | Larger negatives, higher detail, used by enthusiasts and professionals. |
| Large Format (e.g., 4x5) | Active | Very large negatives, extreme detail, specialized use for maximum image quality. |
Current Availability and Usage
Since production ceased in 2011, any APS film you might find today is old stock, often expired. While some enthusiasts might experiment with expired film, its photographic quality can be unpredictable, often resulting in color shifts, increased grain, or reduced sensitivity.
If you possess an APS camera and wish to use it:
- Finding Film: You may occasionally find new old stock (NOS) on auction sites or from specialty photography retailers, but be aware that it will be expired and its performance cannot be guaranteed.
- Developing Film: Many mainstream photo labs no longer process APS film. You will likely need to send it to a specialized lab that still handles older or less common film formats (known as C-41 processing for color negatives).
The decision to discontinue APS film reflects a significant shift in the photography industry from chemical-based imaging to digital capture.
