Leica has unveiled its first authentic 35mm black-and-white film, the Monopan 50. This announcement marks the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Leica I.
Monopan 50 is a high-resolution black and white film with an ISO 50 sensitivity, an ultra-fine grain structure, and a maximum resolution of 280 lines/mm. It has panchromatic characteristics and can detect wavelengths up to 780 nanometers beyond the visible light spectrum, making it suitable for general black and white photography as well as infrared photography. The name “Mono” is reminiscent of Leica’s Monochrom lineup, a digital black and white camera series, along with the fact that the film is monochrome.
Leica explains that this film embodies the “small negative, big picture” philosophy proposed by Oskar Barnack through its rich tonal expression and ability to reproduce delicate details. Since the Leica I, the first mass-produced 35mm camera in 1925, the 35mm film of the time was nicknamed “Leica film,” but in reality, products from other companies such as Kodak, Agfa, and Perutz were used. This Monofan 50 is the first 35mm film planned by Leica itself.
Monofan 50 is produced in Germany and will be available worldwide from Leica Stores and authorized retailers from August 21. Priced at $10 per roll, the 36-exposure film comes in four vintage-style packaging designs that visually capture the pioneering spirit of the early days of 35mm photography.
