Photokina
Photokina was the world's leading trade fair for photography, video and imaging, held in Cologne from 1950 to 2018.
Every two years, the global photo industry descended on Cologne to unveil its latest cameras and technology, turning the fair into a barometer for the entire imaging business.
Source: Wikipedia
At a Glance
- Type
- Trade fair for photography, video and imaging
- Location
- Deutz, Innenstadt district, Cologne
- First edition
- 1950
- Frequency
- Every two years in autumn, until 2018
- Organizer
- Koelnmesse GmbH; supported by the Photoindustrie-Verband e. V.
- Final edition (2018)
- 812 companies (69% from abroad) and around 180,000 visitors from 127 countries
In 1988, the German photo industry association staged what was billed as the “largest photo exhibition in the world” at photokina: spanning 1,300 metres from the exhibition halls to Cologne's Museum Ludwig, it earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
From Public Fair to Trade Show
The first photokina was launched at the initiative of Bruno Uhl, president of the photo industry association, with photo exhibitions curated by Leo Fritz Gruber until 1980. Initially held at irregular intervals, the fair settled into its biennial autumn rhythm from 1966 onward. In 1974 it shifted decisively toward a trade-only format: visitor numbers dropped from over 250,000 in 1972 to just 95,000 professionals two years later, with a much higher share coming from abroad. Amateurs were welcomed back starting in 1988.
From German to English Branding
The fair originally carried German subtitles such as "Weltmesse des Bildes" or "Weltmesse der Fotografie." As the event grew increasingly international, organizers switched to English: "World of Imaging" from 2002 to 2014, followed by "Imaging Unlimited" from 2016.
A Launchpad for Innovation
Photokina became famous as the stage where landmark products debuted: the Kodak Instamatic in 1963, Super 8 film in 1966, and digital photography alongside the Kodak Photo CD in 1992. In 2002, Olympus introduced the E-1, the first camera for the Four Thirds digital SLR system, here.
Records and Awards
In 1988 the Photoindustrie-Verband staged a 1,300-meter photo exhibition stretching from the fairgrounds to Cologne's Museum Ludwig, earning a Guinness World Record. From 1982 to 1998, the fair also hosted the "Deutscher Kamerapreis Köln," honoring outstanding camera work in film and television, alongside the Deutscher Jugendfotopreis.
Community Programs
From 2008, the City of Cologne and photokina partnered with local businesses to offer residents workshops, photo shoots and exhibitions under the banner "Köln fotografiert," rebranded as "PROLOGUE by photokina" in 2016.
The End of an Era
In 2018 organizers announced a shift to an annual spring format, but the relaunch was repeatedly delayed amid waning exhibitor interest, then canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic. Major manufacturers including Nikon, Leica and Olympus withdrew their support, and on 27 November 2020 organizers permanently called off the fair, citing a steadily shrinking market. The official website now states that photokina in Cologne has been suspended indefinitely.
Timeline
- 1950First photokina held on the initiative of Bruno Uhl
- 1966Consistent two-year autumn cycle established
- 1972Over 250,000 visitors recorded
- 1974Converted to a trade-only fair, visitor drop to 95,000 professionals
- 1982–1998'Deutscher Kamerapreis Köln' awarded as part of the fair
- 1988Amateurs regain access; 'world's largest photo show' initiated
- 2008Start of 'Köln fotografiert' cooperation events with the city of Cologne
- 2018–2020Relaunch announced, repeatedly postponed and finally cancelled for good on 27 Nov 2020
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Sources & links
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-09-25
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