Last Roll of Kodachrome

December 30, 2010 - The last roll of Kodachrome film was developed on this day. Dwayne's Photo in Parsons, Kansas was the only remaining shop that could process the legendary brand of color-reversal film.

Kodachrome was first marketed in 1935, and after 74 years it was the oldest surviving brand of color film. With the growing popularity of digital photography, demand for Kodachrome had dramatically declined in the 90s. In addition, the chemicals needed to develop the film became harder and harder to attain, so the decision was made to cease processing.

The last produced roll to be developed was shot by photographer Steve McCurry on assignment with National Geographic.  This swansong of 36 slides is now part of the permanent collection at Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York.

The very last image to be developed was a group shot of the employees at Dwayne's Photo.