2025 Is Only Hours Away

A Year of Celebrations and Analog Adventures

By Marwan El Mozayen / SilvergrainClassics

As the clock ticks toward midnight, we find ourselves on the cusp of a brand-new year. But before 2025 officially begins, let’s take a moment to reflect on an extraordinary 2024—a year that marked not only SilvergrainClassics’ 25th issue but also two incredible milestones in analog photography history.

Reaching Issue 25 was a cause for celebration here at SilvergrainClassics, and we pulled out all the stops to honor this milestone. The year itself seemed destined for celebration, as two iconic photography tools also hit monumental anniversaries.

The Leica M3, introduced in 1954, turned 70 years old this year. When it first arrived on the scene, the M3 revolutionized the world of photography, setting a gold standard for rangefinder cameras. Its innovative design and engineering made it the leading product of its time, and its influence is still felt today. Leica’s modern M cameras owe their DNA to the M3, which remains a prized possession for photographers who value precision, durability, and timeless elegance.

In the same year, another analog legend was born: Kodak Tri-X film. Its introduction in 1954 gave photographers an unparalleled level of flexibility and artistic freedom, thanks to its push-processing capabilities and distinctive grain. Tri-X became synonymous with iconic images—from gritty photojournalism to fine art portraiture—and remains a staple for analog photographers 70 years later. Together, the Leica M3 and Kodak Tri-X exemplify the enduring appeal and utility of analog photography, even in a digital age.

Celebrating Issue 25: Looking Forward and Backward

Our 25th issue wasn’t just a retrospective—it was a celebration of the future of film photography. From an open call for submissions, we selected six standout portfolios representing diverse styles, formats, and countries. These photographers are proof that the analog community is thriving and innovating in exciting ways.

The portfolios featured everything from panoramic compositions to creative slide film collages, showcasing the versatility of film photography today. We also explored themes like expired paper printing and DIY slide film development, further highlighting the ingenuity of modern analog photographers.

2024 in Highlights

This year wasn’t just about anniversaries and milestones. It was also a year of incredible creativity, exploration, and connection within the analog photography community.

Issue 22 celebrated photographers who ventured beyond their own cultures, giving us glimpses into unfamiliar worlds. We saw unconventional formats like Widelux panoramas and hand-colored motion picture strips, alongside stories of adventurous projects like Antarctic filmmaking and high-focal-length photography.

Issue 23 brought us iconic portfolios, including Thomas Hoepker’s unforgettable images of Muhammad Ali and Jane Hilton’s empathetic portraits of marginalized individuals. We also explored the craftsmanship of traditional darkroom techniques, reminding us of the tactile magic of analog photography.

Issue 24 connected photography with music and fashion, featuring legendary album cover art and Parisian street style. The launch of Harman’s Phoenix medium format film and the vibrant analog community gatherings highlighted the ongoing resurgence of film photography worldwide.

Anniversaries Worth Celebrating

This year, as we celebrated the 70th anniversaries of the Leica M3 and Kodak Tri-X, it was a poignant reminder of analog photography’s lasting impact. These tools not only shaped the history of the craft but also continue to inspire new generations of photographers.

Leica’s M3 revolutionized rangefinders, and its spirit lives on in today’s M-series cameras. Kodak Tri-X, with its unmistakable grain and versatility, remains a beloved medium for everything from street photography to studio portraits. These two icons are more than just tools—they are symbols of analog photography’s resilience and artistry.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we close the book on 2024, we’re filled with excitement for what lies ahead. The analog photography community continues to grow, with new films, cameras, and techniques fueling its evolution. Here at SilvergrainClassics, we’re eager to keep celebrating the magic of analog through beautiful print and inspiring stories.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and for being part of a global community that cherishes the tactile, timeless beauty of film photography. Here’s to more creativity, more connection, and more unforgettable moments captured on film.

Happy New Year to all! May your cameras click with joy, your negatives develop with perfection, and your love for analog photography thrive in 2025 and beyond.