Lucky — an Analog Story
From State Factory to Analog Comeback
Founded in 1958 in Baoding, Hebei, Lucky Film grew from China’s state-owned film plant into one of the country's most significant manufacturers of photosensitive materials. At its peak in the 1990s, Lucky sold tens of millions of rolls a year and directly competed with Kodak and Fujifilm in a three-horse market within China. Following the impact of digital, which all but wiped out the global film industry, Lucky paused color production in 2012.
More than a decade later, analog came back — and so did Lucky.
Timeline
1958 — Founding
Lucky is established in Baoding, Hebei (originally as Baoding Film Factory), as part of China’s state-led industrial push in photographic and photosensitive materials.
1960s–1970s — Industrial Growth
Lucky expands production capacity in black and white film, photographic paper, cinematic film, and other light-sensitive materials, solidifying domestic manufacturing independence.
1985 — Color Film Begins
Lucky launches color negative film production, entering the consumer market and reducing reliance on imported products.
1990s — Boom Era
Lucky becomes one of the dominant film brands in China.
• Approximately 50 million rolls sold annually at its peak
• Nearly 25% of the Chinese color film market
• Directly competing with Kodak and Fujifilm
During this period, Lucky becomes a common name in photo labs, camera shops, and family photo albums.
2003 — Strategic Alliance with Kodak
Kodak invests in Lucky, bringing capital and technological improvements with the aim of strengthening color film production amidst growing global competition.
2007 — Kodak Exits
Kodak withdraws from the alliance as digital cameras rapidly overtake film worldwide.
2012 — Color Production Ends
Facing sharply declining demand, Lucky publicly announces the end of color film production, marking the close of a significant chapter in Chinese analog history.
2020s — Analog Resurgence
With the global rebirth of chemical photography, Lucky rebuilds formulas, processes, and supply chains.
2025 — Color Returns
Lucky C200 is officially reintroduced at the Shanghai Image & Vision Expo — heralded as the return of a classic after 13 years.
