In recognition of a century of 35mm photography, Leica is introducing Monopan 50, a high-resolution black-and-white film with enhanced spectral sensitivity. When the Leica camera made its debut in 1925, it rapidly established the 35mm format as a new industry standard for what was known in Germany as “kleinfilm” photography.
It swiftly gained traction with retailers and photographers, and 35mm film became known generically as “Leica film”. From the start, however, 35mm film was produced by third-party companies such as Kodak, Agfa or Perutz.
After a century, Leica now enters the film market. The name Monopan 50 is derived from its components. “Mono” refers to Leica’s Monochrom series cameras, first introduced in 2012, while “pan” denotes the film’s outstanding panchromatic properties. Finally, the 50 represents the ISO rating.
Sharpness and exceptional tonal range
Leica Monopan 50 features an ultra-fine grain, delivering a resolution of up to 280 line pairs per millimeter. With superchromatic sensitivity of up to 780 nanometers, it ensures remarkable sharpness and an exceptional tonal range. According to Leica, the film “encapsulates Oskar Barnack’s vision of ‘small negative — big picture’, the very principle that gave rise to the original Leica”.
With its refined specifications, the black-and-white film is tailored for Leica lenses, enhancing their optical performance, particularly in high-end, large-format prints and detailed scans.
In Barnack’s day, most films had low sensitivity, and Leica embraces this historical context in its choice of ISO 50 / 18 DIN. With high-performance lenses such as the Noctilux-M, Summilux-M and Summicron-M, the film’s low sensitivity enables wide-aperture shooting, rendering the distinctive Leica bokeh, even in bright conditions.
Monopan 50 for infra-red photography
Because of its enhanced spectral sensitivity, the new film is also ideal for infra-red photography and demonstrates exceptional responsiveness to filtration. As such, Monopan 50 pairs seamlessly with colour filters which enhance photographs with striking contrast and a dramatic aesthetic, granting photographers creative freedom in their compositions.
Produced in Germany, Monopan 50 is particularly suitable for landscape, architectural, cityscape and travel photography. The film is compatible with all black-and-white developers. Its vintage-style packaging evokes the pioneering era of 35mm photography.
Availability
Leica Monopan 50 will be available worldwide in Leica Stores and through authorised retainers from 21 August 2025. The recommended retail price is £10 | €12, including VAT.
Your reaction?
What do you think of Leica’s move into film? Will you be trying Monopan 50 and why? Please let us know in the comments section below.
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I will certainly give this a try in a modern MP and an M2
Pretty sure this is ADOX 50-HR rebadged for Leica. Specs look similar.
https://www.adox.de/Photo/hr50-en/
And the data sheet: https://www.fotoimpex.com/shop/images/products/media/63360_5_PDF-Datasheet.pdf
Interesting. Assuming you are right, what is the cost of a roll? Must be cheaper than £10/€12… I just took a quick look at the Adox site and some phraseology (“ideal for filtration”, “suitable for street and landscape photography”, “can be used as an infrared film”, “ultra-fine grain”) looks familiar, having just read Leica’s press release. And it’s made in Germany. Too much of a coincidence, I think. Well spotted.
I wonder who manufactures this?
I am also disappointed in any new film scanners on the market. It seems I have to use a digital camera and macro lens. One would think there would be a market with increasing interest in film.
It looks like I’m the first to comment this article. As a matter of principle I support Leica’s commitment to film photography. I wish it were just a first step to a much stronger commitment. Something like a modern film scanner, fast and with resolving power up to the Leica brand name. I guess it is just wishful thinking…
Yes, I thought this would bring more comments. You can never tell what sparks enthusiasm. Although I have a collection of Leica film cameras, I haven’t had film for several years. But even I am tempted to buy a roll of this film just to see what I can make of it.