In analogue photography, the film you choose sets the tone for your photos. With so many options, picking the right one can be tough. To help, we’ve curated a list of 10 standout films known for their unique qualities and versatility. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, these films are great for any occasion or creative project.

1. Kodak Portra 400

Best for: Portraits, landscapes, and everyday use

Kodak Portra 400 is often considered as the gold standard in color negative film. Its outstanding ability to capture natural skin tones makes it a favorite among portrait photographers. But it’s not just for portraits—Portra 400's fine grain and wide exposure latitude also make it perfect for street photography or outdoor scenes with unpredictable lighting. Its versatility ensures that even when you’re shooting in harsh or low light, you’ll still get those soft, vibrant colors that Portra is known for.

2. Kodak Gold 200

Best for: Everyday use, landscapes, and travel

Kodak Gold 200 is an affordable, versatile film with rich colors and fine grain, making it ideal for casual shooting. Its warm tones and balanced contrast are perfect for outdoor scenes and well-lit environments, capturing vivid skies and lush landscapes. A great option for beginners and hobbyists alike, Gold 200 shines in bright, sunny conditions, offering beautiful, nostalgic results.

3. Ilford HP5 Plus 400

Best for: Street photography, documentary, and low light

If black-and-white is your game, then Ilford HP5 Plus 400 should be in your camera bag. Known for its rich contrast and classic grain, this film is perfect for street photography and documentary work. Its forgiving exposure latitude allows for flexibility in changing lighting conditions, making it ideal for shooting in low light or indoor environments. Whether you’re chasing shadows on city streets or capturing high-contrast drama indoors, HP5 delivers timeless results.

4. Kodak Ektar 100

Best for: Landscapes, architecture, and vibrant colors

For those who crave sharpness and vibrant color, Kodak Ektar 100 is unbeatable. With its ultra-fine grain, it’s ideal for capturing intricate details in landscape or architectural photography. The punchy colors are perfect for when you want your images to pop, especially in brightly lit conditions. The low ISO makes it less suited for low light, but under daylight or studio setups, Ektar 100 will give you unparalleled clarity and depth.

5. CineStill 800T

Best for: Night photography, neon lights, and cinematic effects

CineStill 800T is a unique film stock originally designed for motion pictures. Its high ISO and tungsten balance make it the go-to choice for night photography or any situation with artificial light. If you’re into capturing neon signs, late-night cityscapes, or moody interiors, CineStill 800T will give your photos a cinematic glow with cooler tones and a hint of halation around light sources, adding that extra touch of magic to your shots.

Pro tip: Experiment with different films to discover which one best suits your style. Each film has unique characteristics that can elevate your photography.

6. Kodak Pro Image 100

Best for: Portraits, weddings, and daylight shots

Kodak Pro Image 100 is a budget-friendly film designed for professional use, particularly for portraits and events like weddings. With its soft contrast and fine grain, it produces natural skin tones and smooth gradients. It performs best in bright daylight, making it an excellent choice for outdoor shoots, especially when you want subtle, true-to-life colors without sacrificing detail.

7. Kodak T-Max 400

Best for: Black-and-white photography, high contrast scenes

Kodak T-Max 400 is known for its incredibly fine grain and sharpness, making it a standout for black-and-white photographers. Ideal for capturing crisp, high-contrast images, it performs well in both low light and fast action situations. This film is excellent for street photography, architectural shots, and dramatic portraits, delivering classic monochrome looks with rich tones.
 

8. Kodak Ultramax 400

Best for: Low light, fast action, and everyday photography

Ultramax 400 is a reliable, high-speed film that thrives in various lighting conditions. Its higher ISO rating makes it great for shooting in low light or fast-paced situations, delivering vibrant colors and solid contrast. Whether you're photographing a lively event or capturing moments in dim settings, Ultramax 400 provides flexibility and striking results without much fuss.

9. Ilford XP2 400

Best for: Black-and-white with color processing, everyday use

Ilford XP2 Super 400 offers the best of both worlds—it's a black-and-white film that can be processed using C41 color chemistry, making it easy to develop at any lab. Known for its fine grain and smooth tonal range, XP2 is versatile and forgiving, ideal for beginners and experienced shooters alike. It delivers high-quality monochrome images with sharp details, perfect for portraits, street scenes, or travel photography.

10. Kodak Portra 800

Best for: Low-light conditions, portraits, and versatile shooting

Kodak Portra 800 is a high-speed color negative film renowned for its exceptional color accuracy and skin tone reproduction. Its wide exposure latitude makes it ideal for a variety of shooting conditions, from dimly lit indoor settings to bright outdoor scenes. Photographers love Portra 800 for its smooth grain and ability to retain detail, making it perfect for portraits and capturing moments in low light without sacrificing quality.

How to Choose the Right Film for You

With so many great film options, it’s important to consider the type of photography you’re doing. Ask yourself these questions before choosing:

• Lighting conditions: Will you be shooting in bright sunlight or low light? High ISO films like CineStill 800T or Kodak Ultramax 400 perform better in dim settings.
• Subjects: Are you focusing on portraits, landscapes, or street photography? Films like Kodak Portra are perfect for capturing skin tones, while Ektar 100 excels at vibrant landscapes. For a Wes Anderson-inspired look with bright, punchy colors and quirky compositions, try Kodak Ektar or Ultramax.
• Grain preference: Do you want a fine, smooth grain, or are you going for a more classic, textured look? Kodak T-Max 400 is great for sharp images, while Ilford HP5 offers a more traditional film grain.

By understanding your specific needs, you'll make more informed choices and get the best results.

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Een bericht gedeeld door Analogue (@analogue.ams)