The APS format

THE APS FORMAT

The APS format (Advanced Photo System), introduced in 1996 by Kodak, Fujifilm, Minolta, Canon and Nikon, was an innovative attempt to improve film photography at a time when digital photography was beginning to gain ground. The aim of this format was to make photography easier and more accessible to the general public, while introducing advanced features that photographers found interesting. 

The APS format was distinguished by its modularity: it offered three framing options - H (High Definition), C (Classic) and P (Panoramic), enabling users to choose their photo format before shooting. What's more, the APS format was distinguished by its compact film, packaged in a hermetically sealed cartridge for easy insertion into the camera and general handling. The film is 24 mm wide (smaller than the 35 mm format). 

One of the main advantages of the APS system was its ease of use, particularly for film processing. The film remained in its cartridge after development, with printed images to facilitate print selection. On the cartridge, a small sign indicated the status of the film: unshot, in use, fully shot, and finally, developed! 
However, despite these innovations, APS was unable to keep pace with the rise of digital photography from the 2000s onwards. In 2011, APS film production was discontinued, leaving this format in the history of photography. 

Today, although APS films are hard to find and few laboratories are still capable of developing them, this format retains a special place in the hearts of collectors and lovers of film photography. Some enthusiasts continue to search for out-of-date films to explore this vintage format with its peculiarities, although it is increasingly rare to find a laboratory capable of processing these films. 

If you happen to come across an APS film and decide to shoot with it, Nation Photo can develop and scan it for you (this is also possible from the website, you just need to send them to us as if they were 135 film)! 

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