Kodak Kodachrome II Manual – A Complete Guide for Vintage Filmmakers

Kodak Kodachrome II Manual – A Complete Guide for Vintage Filmmakers

Are you a lover of vintage film? Discover the original Kodak Kodachrome II – Lumière du Jour manual, now available in high-quality PDF format. This essential guide unlocks everything you need to properly expose, handle, and preserve your classic Kodachrome film reels.

Kodachrome II Film Overview

Kodachrome II is a daylight-balanced color reversal film known for its sharpness, contrast, and vivid color reproduction. Originally designed for 8mm, 9.5mm, and 16mm formats, it became a favorite among cinematographers and photography purists throughout the mid-20th century.

This improved version offers greater speed and resolution than earlier Kodachrome films, optimized specifically for use in natural daylight conditions.

Exposure Settings & Filters

Daylight Exposure Index

Recommended settings are 25 ASA (15 DIN) for daylight shooting. For Photoflood lamps, use 12 ASA (12 DIN) with a Kodak Wratten 80B filter.

Filter Use

• 80B Filter: For indoor Photoflood lighting.
• 1A Skylight Filter: Enhances color rendering in shade, snow, or high-altitude conditions. No exposure increase required.

Backlight & Difficult Lighting

In strong backlight conditions, increase the aperture by two stops. The manual includes detailed aperture tables based on weather conditions and time of day.

How to Use the Manual

The PDF contains multilingual sections (EN, FR, IT, DE, NL), making it accessible to a wide audience. Every page details the correct procedures for loading film under subdued light, reversing spools for 8mm, and setting proper exposure for a variety of lighting environments.

This makes the manual indispensable for those who wish to operate vintage cameras like the Kodak Brownie 8mm or Beaulieu 16mm models.

Storage and Shipping Tips

Unexposed Kodachrome II film should be stored in a dry, cool environment. If refrigerated, allow the film to reach room temperature before use to avoid condensation.

Includes official guidelines for safely shipping your film reels for processing, including the importance of using original Kodak containers and declaration of content to avoid customs delays or fines.

Who Should Use This Guide?

• 🎞️ Super 8 and 16mm Filmmakers
• 📷 Analog Photographers
• 🛠️ Film Restorers
• 🎓 Photography Students and Educators
• 🗂️ Archivists and Collectors

Download Now

Bring this rare and invaluable reference into your digital archive today. Whether you're shooting, collecting, or studying vintage cinema, this manual is your go-to resource for accurate and historically faithful guidance.

Or find compatible accessories and filters on Amazon.