Orwo launches a new ISO 500 color film, an ode to ‘80s Hollywood

wolfen nc500
Orwo’s first color film in decades is inspired by a classic Agfa cinematic film. adamscottphoto

Last month, film manufacturer Orwo launched its first new B&W film in 50 years. Now, it’s following with a color film—the first in the brand’s present-day lineup. Orwo Wolfen NC500 is a limited-edition release available for preorder now and shipping in July. This new color stock should cater to film photographers yearning for a nostalgic cinematic flair. 

wolfen NC500
Plenty of grain adds and an -fashioned sensibility. adamscottphoto

Related: Best color films 

All about Wolfen NC500

When announcing Wolfen NC500, Orwo was clear: This isn’t any old color film. Though it’s processed using standard C-41 chemicals and packaged with 36 exposures, it has a quirky ISO of 500. The company also chose to base the new film on a certain venerated film stock, Agfa XT320, which some may know from the Academy Award-winning 1985 film, Out of Africa (also, Who Framed Roger Rabbit). The film will be manufactured at Orwo’s historical plant in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, , where its produced film photography products since 1910.

The Agfa stock was characterized by its greens, desaturated , and enhanced grain. Orwo notes that it kept these qualities in mind when formulating Wolfen NC500. The result delivers a charmingly grainy, soft look that alludes to times of Hollywood past.

wolfen nc500
The film was inspired by Agfa’s greens, desaturated shadows, and grain. adamscottphoto

“With Wolfen NC500, we are not trying to imitate current stocks available on the ; we are creating an alternative, something with different characteristics and a different palette,” Orwo writes. That is to say, if you’re looking for a replacement to the ever out-of-stock (or so it seems) Kodak Portra 400, you can keep on moving. However, if the possibility of a cinematic feel delights you, then picking up a few rolls probably isn’t a bad

How to buy Wolfen NC500

Wolfen NC500 is available for preorder now through Orwo’s online shop, priced at $16 per roll including tax, but excluding shipping. Orwo expects order fulfillment will begin in July.

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