I’ve tested 13 (and counting) of the best 35mm film stocks using the same camera, capturing and sharing the results to guide you in selecting the ideal film for your needs.
For me, film photography is a cherished escape from the relentless pace of digital photography. In today’s world, we’re constantly capturing, downloading, editing, sharing, liking, and subscribing. Film photography strips away much of this hustle, allowing you to focus solely on the art of photography with your favorite film camera. But the question remains: how do you pick the best 35mm film for your specific projects?
Searching online, I found no true comparisons where someone had actually tested each film stock under consistent conditions to evaluate their differences—they were mostly compilations of Flickr photos. So, I took matters into my own hands. I ordered 12 different film rolls from Amazon (with more on the way) and invested hundreds of pounds into this project.
Over the past month, I’ve wandered through London with my camera, experimenting with various film types before and after work. My goal was to document the transition from winter to spring (my favorite time of year) in a familiar setting.
Note: This is an ongoing list. As time progresses and I come across different types of film, I will shoot them around the same area and add them to the list below. If you have a request for a certain type of film please leave it in the comments below and I will do my best to add it asap.
The Three Main Types of Film
There are three main types of film. Within each type of film there are further differences in the speed, aesthetic (think Instagram filters), and also in how each type of film is developed. The main “branches” of the film are as below:
Color Negative Film
This film is what you’re probably most familiar with, and it’s also the most easily available today. When you take a photo with color negative film, you’ll see the image in inverted colors. Most photography centers can develop color-negative (C-41) prints for you at a reasonable cost.
Black and White Film
If you just love shooting black and white photos, you’ll be pleased to hear that black and white film isn’t expensive and it’s easy to get hold of. Furthermore, you can very easily develop black and white film at home. See also our article on How To Develop Film at Home here.
Slide Film
Without a doubt, slide film is the most expensive type of film around. You probably don’t want to start here. The advantage of using slide film is that you will see the image you captured just like a normal photograph. Slide film can sometimes be harder to get your hands on, and not all photography shops and centers can develop this film.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Film Stock
There are a couple of primary factors to consider when selecting a good 35mm film. You’ll want to think primarily about the film speed (indoors vs outdoor photography). Next is to think about your desired aesthetic (that’s where our comparison below comes in).
Film Speed
You’ll probably see an ASA on the packaging of your film, such as 200, 400, or 800. This refers to the sensitivity of the film to light. A higher film speed will allow you to take better photos indoors or in low lighting, but you might get a more grainy image as a result.
A low ISO indicates a slower film speed. These low-speed films work best in daylight for a smooth, fine grain, but can struggle if the light isn’t perfect. You’ll need a longer shutter speed to get the same exposure as a high ASA film.
Which film you use is really up to you. You need to think about when what, and where you’ll be shooting. A general rule of thumb is to start with ASA 400 as (depending on your lens) you can generally capture images in most types of light. You’ll need a tripod or a flash after twilight though!
Aesthetic
Finding the best film for you can be as much down to your own personal preferences as anything else. A great tip is to try out a few of the more affordable films to see which gives you the best results.
Do you want a vintage feel or do you want super-sharp details? High contrast or low contrast? Play around, experiment, have fun, and see which 35mm -film appeals to you most!
Exposure Count
Lastly, you need to keep an eye out for the exposure count. This tells you how many photos you can take with your chosen film. It is generally 24 or 36. Just make sure you aren’t buying a cheaper film because you think you got a bargain, but then find out there are only 24 shots on a roll!
The 35mm Film Reviews
Let’s take a look at the top 35mm films available on the market now, so you can find the perfect fit for your photography. Each film contains a gallery of some of the good photos taken in and around London. This gives you a relatively similar basis for comparison.
Note: All films were shot with the Canon F1 where possible. You can also see our full Canon F1 Review here.
The Best Colour Negative Films
Here’s your run-down of the best films for colour negative photography:
Fujifilm Fujicolour C200
Fujifilm C200 is a top consumer-grade film for negative photography. It is cheap and affordable, allowing anyone from beginners to enthusiasts to play around with film photography, try new ideas and techniques, and create some beautiful photos without having to break into their savings. The photos are generally pretty good quality, though you won’t get as crisp and sharp as with professional-grade films, and this film isn’t the best for indoor photography or in poor light.
Pros:
- Top budget pick
- Great for beginner photographers
- Easily available
- Gives crisp photos in good lighting
- Creates photos with rich, natural and balanced colors and clean lines
Cons:
- Does not perform well in poor lighting or indoors
- You might get a greenish tinge in some photos
- Not always as sharp as you’d like your image to be
Fujifilm C200 Sample Images
Kodak Colorplus 200
The Kodak Colorplus 200 is another affordable, consumer-friendly negative 35mm film that produces quality photos with warm colors. You’ll create vivid photos with accurate colors, and it’s ideal for taking portraits or playing around and building your photography skills.
Pros:
- A strong contender for best 35mm film on a budget
- Realistic colors
- Creates vivid photos
- Great film negative for portraits
- Allows you to experiment without wasting expensive film
Cons:
- Again, the quality dips in poor lighting
- Preferred by beginners and amateurs, does not compare to professional-grade photography
- More grain than when using different films
Kodak Colorplus 200 Sample Images
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak is an iconic brand that always springs to mind when you think of film photography, and the Kodak Gold 200 has long been a popular choice for film negative. It reproduces natural colours with just a subtle grain and a gorgeously vintage look. You’ll get the best photos with great colour saturation and sharpness using the Kodak Gold 200 when you shoot in daylight or with a flash – Kodak doesn’t recommend you use this film at dusk or in low lights.
Pros:
- Excellent photos in general to good lighting
- Accurate colours leaning towards rich tones
- Top film for beautiful, sharp outdoor photos
Cons:
- Quite grainy in low light
- Quality doesn’t compare to premium films
See the full Kodak Gold 200 Review post here.
Kodak Gold Sample Images
Fujicolor Pro 400H
Fujicolor Pro 400H 135 hasn’t always reached the pinnacles of popularity, but it’s a decent film that produces photos with real character. Sometimes compared to the Kodak Portra, portraits especially shine when shot with the Fujicolor Pro 400H. It’s definitely one of the top negative films around.
- Another great film for portraits
- Easy to use, even for beginners or amateurs
- Top film for a heightened level of sharpness
Cons:
- Best used in natural light due to a tendency towards a green tint
- Works best only in certain lights so this is something you need to be aware of when you’re shooting
Fujicolor Pro 400H Sample Images
Lomography Color Negative 400
Lomography have always been a company with a certain cult status that has never quite hit mainstream popularity, but their fans rave about their films. The Lomography Film Color Negative 400 creates colourful, realistic photos with a vintage feel. Even better, it’s available at a reasonable price – a cheaper alternative to the Kodak Portra.
Pros:
- Impressively fine grain
- Affordable price
- Sharp details and contrast
- Lomography film works well in most lights
- Bright, vibrant colours that catch your eye
Cons:
- You may be able to pick out a pinkish tinge, particular in portraits
Lomography Colour Negative Sample Images
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra hardly needs an introduction. It’s favoured by many professional photographers for the beautiful portraits you can produce with realistic skin tones and great colour saturation all around (hence the name Portra). The fine grain is second to none. This doesn’t mean that you are limited to shooting portraits only, as Kodak Portra film is versatile and adaptable to many different situations. You’ll get an effect that is almost impossible to recreate with a digital camera.
Pros:
- The finest grain and best quality around for a spectacular photo
- The perfect film for scanning and enlarging your photos
- Realistic skin tones and overall colour saturation
Cons:
- This excellent film comes with a hefty price tag
- Some claim that the hype raises expectations too high
- More of a learning curve to know how to effectively adjust exposure
Portra 400 Sample Images
Kodak Ultra Max 400
The Kodak Ultra Max is another option for taking high-quality photos, even in lower light, all at a reasonable price. You’ll be impressed by the sharpness and clarity, combined with an excellent colour rendering for some fabulous results. The Kodak Ultra Max is great for everyday shots, but you might want to choose something else for those big, memorable life events.
Pros:
- So simple for beginners to get the hang of
- Brilliant even in low lighting
- You’ll get sharp, crisp results – fast speed counteracts camera shake
- Great low price
Cons:
- Can be slightly grainy and even fuzzy at times
- The yellow tinge can overpower white backgrounds
- Not suited to professional portrait or landscape photography
See also our full of Kodak UltraMax 400 Review here.
Ultra Max 400 Sample Images
Kodak Ektar 100
The Kodak Ektar 100 is a great, high-quality film that produces sharp photos, ideal for enlarging and printing. You won’t get that grainy look you get from some lower-grade films, even with the low ISO of 100. Kodak Ektar 100, favoured by commercial photographers for stock and product images, gets brilliant ratings and can be used successfully indoors and out.
- Top 35mm film
- Stunning sharpness and colour rendition, especially red and green
- A good choice if you want to enlarge and print your shots
- Smooth grain
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- The contrast can be too high for some
- Not the best choice for portraits as it can highlight imperfections
Kodak Ektar 100 Sample Images
The Best Black and White 35mm Film
Fancy trying your hand at some black and white portrait shots? Let’s take a look at the top black and white films that get excellent ratings:
Ilford HP5 400
If you’re looking for a good 35mm film for taking black and white photos in a wide range of settings and in different lights, the Ilford HP5 is for you. You’ll get a gorgeous high contrast image using the Ilford, and it’s very forgiving of low lighting, so amateurs can use it effectively too. Some users refer to it as the Kodak Portra of black and white photos, and that’s high praise!
Pros:
- Excellent quality and contrast
- Suitable even for beginner photographers
- You can use it in lower lighting settings
- Great for gritty street photography
Cons:
- There may be too much grain for some photographers’ preferences
- Borders on too contrasty sometimes
Illford HP5 Sample Images
Agfa Photo APX 400
The Agfa Pro APX black and white 35mm film is a fun film to use, bringing to mind many modern Instagram filters. You can get some great shots using the Agfa Pro APX thanks to the impressive sharpness and the fine grain this film produces. It’s a lesser known film, but still a good, affordable choice for most photographers, whether amateur or professional. It can take a while to get the hang of to make the most of your Agfa Pro APX film, as you tend to need to overexpose the shadows while processing for the highlights. Once you’ve mastered how to use this film, you’ll take some stunning, detailed shots.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Great sharpness
- Fine grain and smooth gradation
- A good choice for both beginners and professionals
- Suited for portraits and for shooting in the studio
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve than many films
- If you’re not into low contrast, the Agfa Pro APX isn’t for you
Agfa APX 400 Sample Images (Click For Gallery)
The Best 35mm Slide Films
Looking for the best films for slide photography? Here are our suggestions!
Fujifilm Velvia 50
Velvia is a classic, slide film dating back to the good old days. It’s not so easy to get hold any more. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but when you do find it, you’ll need to be prepared to part with a pretty penny, as the Fujifilm Velvia ISO 50 does not come cheap. It’s worth it for the super-saturated colours and the fine grain you’ll get, but this isn’t one for playing around or experimenting with. Save it for those special shots.
Pros:
- Bright, fully saturated colours
- High contrast
- Iconic with a real vintage feel
Cons:
- Very expensive
- The contrast isn’t to everyone’s tastes
- Probably not the best film for beginners to get started with
You can also check out our 35mm Slide Film Guide for a more in-depth guide on 35mm slide films.
Velvia 50 Sample Images
Fujichrome Provia 100F
The Fujichome Provia is like the chilled-out sister to the Velvia. You won’t get supersaturation and the brightest colours when you use the Provia. What you’ll get instead is high-quality, true-to-life images that recreate colours accurately. The Provia is versatile, and while it does have a bit of a learning curve at first, once you’ve got the hang of it, there are no limits to what you can shoot with the Fujichrome Provia.
Pros:
- Produces realistic photos with lower saturation for a toned-down look
- Versatile – you can use the Provia in a variety of different situations and for various types of photography
- Accurate colour rendition
- You’ll get excellent results with the Fujifilm Provia if you plan to enlarge your photos
Cons:
- Expensive to use (as all slide films are compared to colour negative films)
- Limited dynamic range
- You have to care to get the right exposure for a decent photograph – harder for beginners to get the hang of
Provia 100F Sample Images (Click For Gallery)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best 35mm film to buy?
The best 35mm to buy depends on what you would like to shoot. Colour 35mm Film is some of the cheapest to shoot and develop. Black and White film is good to develop yourself. Slide film makes the best colours.
Is 35mm film still available?
Yes. There are many different types of 35mm film still available today. Kodak even began making Ektachrome again.
What is the best 35mm Colour film?
The best 35mm colour film depends on what you would like to shoot. Kodak
Does Walgreens sell 35mm film?
All Walgreens stores with a photo lab sell 35mm film and can also develop your 35mm film. You need to check if the photo lab can also accept 110 film, 127 film negatives, or a disposable/single-use camera. It is best to call them first.
Is Kodak film still made?
Yes, Kodak does still make film. Due to demand in 2018, they began to manufacture Ektarchrome (35mm slide film) again.
Does anyone develop 35mm film?
Not every photo processing store can develop 35mm film. But the question now is “where can I get film developed“? The majority of stores just print digital photographs. But, there are usually one or two stores that develop 35mm film near you.
How much does it cost to get 35mm film developed?
The cost to get 35mm film developed is usually around $5 per roll. For this price, you get your negatives returned and the photos (around 3000px wide) returned to you on a CD or USB thumb drive. It can be done cheaper at Costco ($1.59), but you will not receive scans.
What is the best black and white 35mm film?
Kodak Tri X 400 is widely considered to be the best black and white film. However, read our reviews to compare Kodak Tri X with Ilford and Agfa black and white films. See our comparison of Kodak Tri-X vs TMax 35mm Film here.
Is slide film still available?
Yes, slide film is still available. Kodak announced today that it will bring back Kodak Ektachrome Professional slide film.
Can old negatives still be developed?
Old negatives do not need to be developed. If you can see an image on them then they have already been developed. If you have a roll of film then you can get it developed at any photo lab.
Does Ilford still make film?
Yes, Ilford still make film and a number of other photographic chemicals to help you develop film at home.
Is Ektachrome slide film?
Yes. Ektachrome is slide film. It is a professional grade slide film that was newly refreshed and re-released to the market in 2018.
How do you process black and white film?
You can process black and white film at home. First, you need to develop the film, then fix the images to the negative and lastly you need to wash the film.
Homework
Do you have a favourite film? Is it not on this list? Then comment below and we will be sure to add it over the coming months.
Final Words
So there you have the top 35mm film brands for you to take your pick from. Film photography is a delicate art with a real vintage feel. Nothing compares to the speed of digital photography – but life’s not all about rushing through things.
Sometimes you just want to hold something substantial in your hands, and that’s what film photography can give you. We’ve recommended the best 35mm films from colour negative to black and white and slide films.
With a good range of ASA speeds and films suitable for portraits, landscapes, street photography and more, you’re sure to find the 35mm film for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself some of the best 35mm film and get out there! You can pick up one of our best film scanner recommendations here so you can share your photos faster!
As usual if you have any questions, or ideas of what types of film I can add to the list, please let me know in the comments below. For more of my work and the team here at Cultured Kiwi be sure to check out the homepage, or any of the articles below.
I am a seasoned professional and I love shooting film, even though I have to shoot digital for work!
Thanks Peter!
Love this list! I’d like to see the addition of the cinestill 50 and 800 films if you think they are worth comparing.
Absolutely, I will get a couple of rolls on the way. Keep an eye out!
Thank you so much for the info! It was very helpful?
My pleasure, thanks for taking the time to comment.
Agfa Precisa CT is my favorite slide film. Amazing color rendition for nature. I use Velvia only when I want some extra punch in colors, especially in reds.
Review Street Candy, please?
Thanks for putting all the hard work into this post, not a lot of folks realise what it takes. Great seeing folks go all out to compare and have fun with film. Ive tried most of the stocks now and love them all for different reasons, but my, when you get provia spot on, it is stunning. Gold is great fun though and Fuji Acros is my fav B&W and apparently Fuji have reversed the decision to cancel it. Yay.
Cheers, Paul.
Ilford’s sfx 200 is a favorite b&w, both filtered for pseudo-infrared effects and unfiltered for it’s rich contrast and gorgeous grain.
good post!! Im from Argentina and
and I’m testing different movies to perfect my work, greetings and hold the film!
HP5 / Tri-X is a religious issue, just sayin’ 🙂
Excellent article congrats!!!
I have a minolta xg-a and I’m a novice photographer. 30 years old and have been snapping pix since 5. This is my first camera that, we’ll say, has some age to it. Any recommendations?? I’m open to all
If you’re just starting out on film, just pick up a cheap roll of film and test the camera. Make sure it works etc. The last thing you want to do is find out that it has light leaks and focus issues on an expensive roll of slide film. My go-to after that is Portra 400 or you can try some slide film if you’re really game 🙂
This is a well detailed article. You definitely put a lot of effort on it and it seems fun! Thanks a lot. Really helpful!
Thanks Nicole, yes it took some time but was absolutely worth it!
Hi,
Awesome and extensive comparison. i’ve tried so far Ilfor HP5+ (cheap and reeeeally nice one), TriX (which i find way too contrasty) and portra 400.
I just shot a roll of Retro 400S and waiting for it to come back from the shop 🤪
Very good article… I’ve been searching for one like this for quite a bit! Thanks man. Very well detailed!!
Thanks Johnathon
This is a great article! What films would you suggest when it come to shooting night shots?
Any of the 400 ASA films. But you’ll need a bright lens f1.4 or so and most probably a tripod. You can try higher ASA film but it’s pretty expensive… Or another method if you’re into self-developing film is to get some Tri X 400 (black and white) and shoot it at 1600 then push process it.
I think digital cameras and ISO’s of 6400+ have spoiled our expectations of night photography. The majority of it was done on a tripod in the past.
I always used various Ektachrome back in the day…Before I invest in the contemporary product I’d like to see an experienced photographers take. Does the new formulation compare well with the old stuff?
Nothing bested a well-crafted transparency then. Digital images are stark and soulless ‘stills’
Good effort Ben. Potentially a very useful resource
I am a very amateur painter, but the members of my family seem to like my work. As a record of what I have painted (for myself ) before they take them away, I have been taking photos with my phone but the colors are so off that it is painful. I do have a good film camera. I will be photographing with strong daylight indoors, what film would you recommend? Thank you so much, I found what you have written helpful and informative!
I think Portra 400 is a fine choice, however, this has a kind of subtle “whitewash” effect. If you’re looking to get vibrant colours then I recommend one of the slide films. As long as you’re on a tripod indoors you should get great quality images.
Awesome article. Getting back into film photography. Been shooting digital but doesn’t compare to the manual efforts I have to put into my film work. The list you gave, will experiment with some of them. Thank you.
My grandfather gave me his 1963 Zenit 3M this summer, and I decided I’d like to use it. This guide has been immensely helpful in my search for a suitable film and there really seems to be none quite like it. Thank you very much, Ben!
Excellent informative read! I’m returning to 35mm film photography after a 30 year + hiatus, and would like to know what film(s) you’d recommend to a “second-time newbie”, both B&W and color. (I miss Kodachrome). I am also planning to get some B&W contrast filters and would love to see your recommendations for them, as well UV/haze filters for color photography. My Minolta lenses all have 55mm thread diameters, but I have my Sony 18-250mm zoom with a 62mm width that I want to experiment with digitally first. I have every step-up/down ring I’ll ever need, so 62mm filters would probably be my choice. Thanks.
Some great information here. I’m returning to 35mm photography for the first time in over 3 decades. The CVS pharmacy I went to only had Fuji Superia 400 in 3-packs, so I’ve loaded my Minolta XD 11 with a roll of it, and I’ll see what develops from that. I have 3 Minolta lenses that I’m going to get UV/haze filters for, but I’m also interested in B&W photography. Do you use contrast filters for B&W, and/or do you have any recommendations for them? Thanx!
This was so useful, thank you for experimenting! I have an Olympus Mju-II point and shoot. Where obviously you can’t change any of the settings to shoot – what would you advise for this type of camera? For shooting friends and scenery outside. Thanks again! Gemma