With no new 126 format film, 126 format shooters have been relying on using the Fakmatic 35mm to 126 adapter in order to shoot with their 126 cameras. With this 3D printed adapter, you load a roll of standard 35mm film (in a film changing bag), drop the loaded adapter into your Instamatic and shoot. While 35mm film loaded into a Fakmatic adapter works for some cameras (like the Kodak X-15), the sprockets on 35mm film do not allow all 126 cameras to be used (35mm film jams in certain camera models).
Film Photography Project (FPP) guys Owen McCafferty (IG – @ohthegenealogist) and Michael Raso (IG – @filmshootermike) have been working on a solution, designing a system to perf (unperforated) 35mm film with the proper 126 perforations. In theory, this film will be usable in all 126 cameras including the Rollei SL26, Kodak Instamatic 100 series, Keystone and all cameras that jammed up when using traditional 35mm film.
This new 126 perforated film is now available in single, bulk rolls in BW and color. This film does still require the photographer to load the film themselves in the FAK adapter or vintage cassette.
Above: How to load the FPP Fakmatic 126 Adapter. Note: You can use newly perforated FPP 126 film for use in all cameras or load 35mm film (usable in sme cameras)
While this may be disappointing news to some who were expecting new, factory-finished 126 film, it is bright news for 126 enthusiasts who have been unable to use modern 35mm film in their 126 cameras.
To date, no modern film factory is known to have the capability of manufacturing new, packaged 126 film. The production machines have either been long discarded or the machines are not currently on their modern production line.
The subject was discussed on Film Photography Podcast 322.