A Photographer's Guide to the Best 35mm Films
GUIDE
GUIDE
Choosing the right film stock can significantly impact the final look of your photographs. The best film for you will depend on your specific needs and creative vision. Experiment with different film stocks to discover your favorites and push the boundaries of your photography.
Here's a curated list of some of the best 35mm films to elevate your film photography
FOR EVERYDAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos By Tim Martin
Kodak Gold 200: A classic film stock known for its vibrant colors and sharp images, Kodak Gold 200 is ideal for capturing everyday moments and photos at an affordable price.
Kodak Ultramax 400: A versatile film that offers a good balance of speed and image quality. Its wide exposure latitude makes it a great choice for a variety of shooting situations.
Fujifilm 400: This film is known for its sharp images and fine grain, making it a great choice for both color and black and white photography at a pretty cheap price.
Kodak Ektar 100: This film is renowned for its exceptional color rendition, fine grain, and wide exposure latitude. It’s ideal for landscape, portrait, and street photography.
FOR PORTRAITS AND LANDSCAPES
Photo By Chris Scholl
Portra 400: Renowned for its smooth grain and natural skin tones, Portra 400 is a versatile film that excels in both portrait and landscape photography. Its ability to handle a wide range of lighting conditions makes it a popular choice among photographers. We’d recommend this for everyday shooting as well, but it’s increased price point makes it a better film for more intentional shooting.
Cinestill 400D: This cinematic film stock offers a unique color palette and fine grain, making it perfect for creating visually striking images. Its ability to handle a variety of lighting conditions makes it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor photography.
FOR LOW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
Photo By Ivan Yolo
Cinestill 800T: This high-speed film is a dream for photographers shooting in low-light conditions. Its unique color palette and fine grain make it ideal for capturing concerts, dimly lit interiors, or nighttime cityscapes.This film is a personal favorite for our staff for shooting concerts.
FOR BLACK AND WHITE
Photo By My Favorite Lens
Ilford HP5 Plus: A versatile black and white film that offers excellent detail and tonality. It's a great choice for a wide range of photographic applications.
