Before the digital age, two Kodak slide films ruled photography: Kodachrome and Ektachrome. While both captured countless memories, they had very different legacies especially when it comes to how well those memories lasted. Kodachrome was the gold standard of color slide film. Beloved for its rich, warm tones and ultra-fine grain, but its true magic was its incredible archival stability. Thanks to a unique dye process added during development, Kodachrome slides can last over 100 years with minimal fading. Ektachrome, Kodak’s answer to the demand for faster, more convenient film. Unlike Kodachrome, it could be processed locally using the simpler E-6 process a huge plus for pros and hobbyists alike. Ektachrome offered vivid colors and faster turnaround. But there was a catch, Over time, Ektachrome fades. While beautiful when new, its built-in dyes are less stable than Kodachrome’s. Many Ektachrome slides from the ’70s–’90s now show signs of color shifting, especially toward blue or magenta, and general fading—sometimes within just a few decades. Bottom line: Kodachrome was harder to process but lasts a lifetime (or more). Ektachrome was easy and popular—but not made to last.
At Lypowy Studio we can copy your old slides to preserve them into a digital format that will preserve them and keep them from any further fading. We also do photo restoration and color correction to improve those images that have already suffered deterioration. Call: 732-270-2181 to find out more.
Archival Stability Comparison
| Feature | Kodachrome | Ektachrome |
| Fade resistance | Excellent (50–100+ years) | Moderate (20–30 years) |
| Color stability | Very stable over decades | Prone to cyan shift or general fading |
| Storage sensitivity | Less sensitive | More sensitive to heat, light, and humidity |
| Overall longevity | Best-in-class | Good but not archival-grade |
