Leica’s New MONOPAN 50

by Marwan El Mozayen / SilvergrainClassics

It’s been a few days now since the first press releases about the new Leica MONOPAN 50 film started circulating across social media and online photo magazines. Here at SilvergrainClassics, we chose not to rush in with a quick reaction. Not because we didn’t know in advance or weren’t excited–quite the opposite. But we wanted to wait, observe the community’s expectations, and gauge how the market would react.

Now, it’s time to share a few thoughts, because what Leica has done here is significant.

Celebrating 100 Years of Leica and the Enduring Legacy of 35mm

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the original Leica I, the camera that helped define 35mm photography as we know it. Back in 1925, when the first Leicas hit the market, 35mm was still a novel format. It quickly became the standard, of course, so much so that even though the film itself came from manufacturers like Kodak or Agfa, many simply referred to it as ‘Leica film’.

Now, in 2025, Leica is doing something it’s never done before: launching its own 35mm black-and-white film, MONOPAN 50, under the Leica name. More than a marketing move, this is a tribute to Leica’s roots in small-format photography, combined with modern technical prowess.

With an ultra-fine grain, resolution of up to 280 line pairs per millimeter, and extended panchromatic sensitivity up to 780 nm, MONOPAN 50 is an impressive film by any standard. Its ISO 50 speed harks back to the early days of photography, but paired with fast Leica lenses like the Noctilux or Summilux, it enables wide-open shooting even in bright light, allowing that signature Leica bokeh to shine.

The Usual Suppositions and Why They Miss the Point

As expected, it didn’t take long before ‘the usual suspects’ began to weigh in across forums and social media. There are always some who trumpet their knowledge of which manufacturer ‘really’ made the film stock. And there’s always someone outraged that Leica would dare to charge more, especially if the emulsion does turn out to be very similar to an existing one.

But let’s be honest: this kind of finger-pointing is not only overused, it’s not useful. And as usual, we also saw typical misinformation popping up: some people even claimed early on that MONOPAN 50 would cost $60 a roll! That kind of fantasy pricing speculation spread fast, despite the actual MSRP being around 12 euros.

Let’s add some perspective here. In the real world, it’s perfectly normal for the same base product to be packaged and sold under different brands with different strategies and pricing. Anyone who thinks the motor oil they buy comes directly from a specific offshore rig operated by a major oil brand would be surprised to learn how centralized and interchangeable the refining industry really is.

Pricing depends on branding, packaging, and positioning–and that’s true for photo film too.

A Real Statement and a Win for the Analog Community

What matters more is the statement Leica is making by putting its name on this film. This isn’t just a licensing deal. Leica is saying: “We believe in film. We believe in analog photography. And we want it to be part of our future”.

That message matters. There’s no stronger commitment than putting your own brand name on a product. Leica is offering a serious tool for creative work, not peddling nostalgia. That’s good for the market, good for the community, and good for analog photography overall.

Another important point is that this emulsion may also reach new or returning film shooters. Imagine a digital Leica user walking into a Leica Store and spotting that stylish vintage-style packaging. Maybe they impulse purchase a roll. Maybe they give it a try. That kind of accidental exposure (pun intended) is exactly what the film community needs more of.

To the Critics: Relax, It’s a Free Market

To those shouting their disapproval online: no one is forcing you to buy MONOPAN 50. Leica hasn’t modified their M cameras to accept only this film. You’re free to shoot whatever you want. So what’s the fuss about?

Personally, I welcome this development. The emulsion is excellent, the technical performance is impressive, and the packaging is fantastic. But most of all, I appreciate the intention behind it: Leica has taken a clear and courageous step to support the analog photography world.

And for that, they deserve recognition.