The Ultimate Guide to Camera Film: Exploring Different Makes and Models
In the world of analogue photography, choosing the right film can significantly impact the outcome of your photos. With a myriad of options available, each brand and model of film offers unique characteristics and qualities. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll explore some of the most widely available and popular film makes and models.
Kodak Portra 400Kodak Portra 400 is renowned for its excellent color reproduction, fine grain, and wide exposure latitude. It’s a favorite among portrait photographers due to its natural skin tones and versatility in different lighting conditions.
Characteristics:
- ISO: 400
- Type: Color Negative
- Best For: Portraits, weddings, events
- Pros: Rich colors, forgiving in varied lighting, great for scanning
- Cons: Slightly more expensive
Image credit: Bruno Silva
Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400
Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400 is a popular choice for general-purpose photography. It delivers vibrant colours and sharp images, making it ideal for everyday shooting.
Characteristics:
- ISO: 400
- Type: Color Negative
- Best For: Travel, street photography, general use
- Pros: Affordable, vibrant colors, good contrast
- Cons: Can be slightly grainy in low light
Image Credit: Pat Whelen
Ilford HP5 Plus 400
Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a versatile black-and-white film known for its high speed and fine grain. It’s a go-to for photographers who enjoy the classic, timeless look of monochrome images.
Characteristics:
- ISO: 400
- Type: Black and White Negative
- Best For: Street photography, documentary, low-light situations
- Pros: Excellent tonal range, good contrast, easy to develop
- Cons: Not suitable for color photography
Kodak Ektar 100
Kodak Ektar 100 is praised for its ultra-fine grain and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for landscapes and nature photography, where color accuracy and detail are paramount.
Characteristics:
- ISO: 100
- Type: Color Negative
- Best For: Landscapes, nature, still life
- Pros: High saturation, fine grain, exceptional detail
- Cons: Requires good lighting due to low ISO
Fujifilm Acros 100 II
Fujifilm Acros 100 II is a black-and-white film that offers outstanding sharpness and fine grain. It’s suitable for a wide range of applications, from portraits to landscapes.
Characteristics:
- ISO: 100
- Type: Black and White Negative
- Best For: Fine art, architecture, long exposures
- Pros: Superb sharpness, fine grain, excellent for enlargements
- Cons: Limited availability, higher cost
Photo credit: Chris Gampat
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak Tri-X 400 is one of the most iconic black-and-white films. Known for its classic grain structure and wide exposure latitude, it’s favored by photojournalists and street photographers.
Characteristics:
ISO: 400
- Type: Black and White Negative
- Best For: Street photography, documentary, photojournalism
- Pros: Wide exposure latitude, classic look, robust in various conditions
- Cons: Grainier than some modern films
Photo credit: Chris Gampat
When selecting film, consider the following factors:
Lighting Conditions:
Higher ISO films like Kodak Portra 400 and Ilford HP5 Plus 400 are more versatile in various lighting conditions, while lower ISO films like Kodak Ektar 100 require good lighting.
Color vs. Black and White:
Decide whether you want color or monochrome images. Black-and-white films like Ilford HP5 Plus 400 and Fujifilm Acros 100 II offer a classic, timeless look, while color films like Kodak Portra 400 and Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400 provide vibrant and accurate colors.
Subject Matter:
Consider what you’ll be photographing. Portraits benefit from the natural skin tones of Kodak Portra 400, while landscapes shine with the vivid colors of Kodak Ektar 100.
Grain and Detail: If fine detail and minimal grain are important, choose a lower ISO film like Fujifilm Acros 100 II or Kodak Ektar 100. For a more classic, grainy look, Kodak Tri-X 400 is an excellent choice.